Drafting a new constitution may take two to three years, said Law Adviser Professor Asif Nazrul.
Speaking at a discussion held at the International Mother Language Institute auditorium in the capital on Sunday, he cited examples from neighbouring countries where constitution-making processes have taken eight to nine years.
The event was organised by a platform named Nagarik Coalition to discuss seven proposals put forward by a civic alliance on constitutional reform. The coalition comprises representatives from various civil society organizations.
Renowned photographer Shahidul Alam, co-convener of the coalition, delivered the welcome speech. Professor Asif Mohammad Shahan of Dhaka University presented the coalition’s seven proposals, while economist and writer Zia Hassan discussed their implementation strategy.
Highlighting the lengthy process of framing a new constitution, Prof Nazrul asked, “Should we then continue with the Constitution of 1972 in the meantime?” He explained that, until a new constitution is adopted, the existing parliament will function as the constitutional assembly and will be tasked with amending the 1972 Constitution as necessary.
“When a single parliament is tasked with drafting a constitution, it often cannot devote enough time to the process,” he noted. “Sometimes such assemblies meet only twice a week, holding one or four sessions. In such cases, expecting the constitution to be written in just 90 days is overly ambitious.”
Addressing the emphasis placed on the July Charter in the proposals, Nazrul said, “There appears to be an overreliance on the July Charter. But will it contain so much detail? That must be incorporated into the constitution itself. It is being assumed that everyone will agree on the contents of the Charter — that won’t be so easy. Perhaps only its core principles can be included in the constitution.”
Other speakers at the event included BNP Standing Committee member Salahuddin Ahmed, Vice President of the National Consensus Commission Prof Ali Riaz, National Citizen Party (NCP) convener Md Nahid Islam, Ganosanghati Andolan Chief Coordinator Zonayed Saki, TIB Executive Director Iftekharuzzaman, BNP Chairperson’s adviser Ismail Jabihullah, Acting BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman’s adviser Mahadi Amin, Dhaka North City Ameer of Jamaat-e-Islami Mohammad Selim Uddin, NDM President Bobby Hajjaj, student activist Umama Fatema of the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement, and Gono Odhikar Parishad General Secretary Rashed Khan.