The Constitution Reform Commission has proposed a significant revision to the Preamble of the Bangladesh Constitution, aiming to reflect the country’s evolving democratic values and historical struggles.
Led by Prof. Ali Riaz, the Commission, which was formed in September, submitted its report to Chief Adviser Prof. Muhammad Yunus on January 15. A summary of the proposed changes has been made publicly available on the Commission's official website.
The key recommendation is to revise the Preamble to better represent the struggles for independence and the subsequent efforts for democracy and freedom in Bangladesh. The proposed Preamble reads as follows:
“We, the people of Bangladesh, in continuation of our long and historic struggle for the liberation of the people of this land, having gained independence through a people’s war and having fought unitedly against dictatorship and fascism for establishing democracy;
By recalling with deepest respect the sacrifice of all martyrs, pledging the establishment in our State and society the high ideals of equality, human dignity and social justice that inspired our people in the war of independence in 1971 and the high ideals of democracy and nondiscrimination that united us against the fascist regime in 2024;
In exercise of the sovereign rights of the people, adopting and enacting this Constitution for the people of Bangladesh by declaring the ideals of equality, human dignity, social justice, pluralism and democracy as the fundamental principles of this Constitution, which embodies the highest aspirations of the people, shall ensure inclusive and collective national development and shall protect the rights of the present and the future generations;
Solemnly declare that this Constitution shall unite all citizens in the spirit of mutual rights, responsibilities and accountability, guarantee the representation of the people in the governance of the Republic at all times, foster international peace and cooperation and uphold the sovereignty of Bangladesh;
With people’s consent, do hereby give to ourselves this Constitution as the Constitution of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh.”
The Commission's proposal emphasizes democratic principles, human dignity, and social justice, reflecting the nation’s struggle for liberation in 1971 and its collective opposition to dictatorship. The document highlights a vision for inclusive national development and protection of rights for both current and future generations.
The revision is part of broader state reforms initiated after the August 5 mass uprising, which led to the overthrow of the Awami League government after more than 15 years of rule. The Interim government, formed on August 8, has taken steps to implement a wide range of reforms, including the formation of several commissions addressing issues in the constitution, electoral system, judiciary, public administration, police, and anti-corruption efforts.
These reforms aim to foster a more inclusive and representative governance system that better reflects the aspirations of the people of Bangladesh.
