Constitution reform: Hindu Bouddha Christian Oikya Parishad submits proposal

On behalf of Bangladesh’s religious and ethnic minority communities, the Bangladesh Hindu Bouddha Christian Oikya Parishad submitted several proposals to the online portal of the Constitution Reform Commission today.
Among the proposals, the council emphasised maintaining the existing preamble of the Constitution without alteration.
They added that the preamble ensures the rule of law, fundamental human rights, and political, economic, and social equality, liberty, and justice for all citizens, regardless of religion, race, or ethnicity.
The council recommended the complete abolition of Article 2A of the Constitution, which declares a “state religion.”
They argued that this article is entirely contradictory to the core principles of the Constitution’s preamble, which guarantees the rule of law, fundamental human rights, and political, economic, and social equality, liberty, and justice for all citizens.
The article, they said, relegates religious and ethnic minorities to the status of second-class citizens.
The council also proposed retaining the article on “Secularism and Freedom of Religion” without amendment, arguing that it upholds the character and essence of a secular state, ensuring inclusivity for all citizens, irrespective of religion, race, or ethnicity, which is a fundamental principle of the Constitution.
Regarding Article 28 of the Constitution, the Council advocated for its retention in its entirety.
They highlighted the necessity of enacting a Minority Protection Act, establishing a National Minority Commission, and forming a Ministry of Minority Affairs to eliminate existing discrimination against religious and ethnic minorities.
They asserted that these proposals are essential for addressing inequalities faced by minorities in society and for ensuring equal protection under the law.
The Council further proposed adding clauses to Article 28. Clause (5) would constitutionally guarantee adequate representation and participation of religious and ethnic minorities in various constitutional bodies, such as the National Parliament, the Election Commission, the National Human Rights Commission, and the Public Service Commission. Clause (6) would ensure proportional representation of religious and ethnic minorities in the National Parliament based on population demographics.
Meanwhile, the Judicial Reform Commission, led by its chairman, Justice Shah Abu Nayeem Mominur Rahman, former Justice of the Appellate Division, met with the Constitution Reform Commission at the office of the Judicial Reform Commission yesterday.
Representing the Constitution Reform Commission was its chairman, Prof Ali Riaz, along with members Imran Siddiq, Prof Muhammad Ekramul Haque, Sharif Bhuiyan, Senior Advocate M Moin Alam Firozi, and writer Firoz Ahmed.
The other members of the Judicial Reform Commission were present at the meeting.
During the meeting, both commissions briefed each other on the progress of their respective tasks.
The discussion focused on various constitutional matters, particularly those related to the judiciary, and highlighted the need for coordination between the two commissions’ work and recommendations.