By John Q. Hosedrinker 
Bangladesh’s Attorney General, Md Asaduzzaman, has called for significant constitutional reforms, advocating for the removal of the term “secular” and the repeal of the 15th Amendment, which he claims undermines democratic values and the legacy of the Liberation War. He argues that several amendments, including the designation of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman as the “Father of the Nation,” contribute to national division and limit freedom of speech. He also criticizes provisions that restrict constitutional changes, claiming they concentrate political power and hinder democratic reforms. Asaduzzaman further condemns the removal of the caretaker government system, asserting that it weakens democratic foundations and compromises citizens’ rights. These calls for reform come amid rising tensions between the Hindu minority and the interim government, with thousands of Hindus protesting against recent attacks and harassment.
Read the original article here
A top Bangladeshi official has called for the removal of the word “secular” from the country’s constitution, citing the country’s predominantly Muslim population. The official argues that amendments should support democracy, not authoritarianism, and that the current constitution contradicts itself by promoting both Bengali nationalism and equal rights for all religions.
This call for change has sparked heated debate, with some seeing it as a dangerous step towards religious extremism and a potential threat to the rights of minorities. Others argue that if a majority of the population supports the change, it would be a democratic act.
The official’s argument is based on the idea that Bangladesh, with a 90% Muslim population, should reflect its religious demographics in its fundamental law. However, critics point out that this reasoning ignores the complex history of Bangladesh, which has been marked by religious tensions and violence against minorities.
The current constitution’s commitment to secularism is seen as a safeguard against the potential for a theocratic state. The fear is that removing this protection would embolden religious fanatics and further marginalize minorities, particularly Hindus who make up about 8% of the population.
The situation is particularly sensitive given the recent rise in attacks targeting Hindus since the secular government was overthrown in August. While some argue that these attacks are exaggerated, the influential Bangladesh Hindu Buddhist Christian Unity Council reports over 2,000 attacks since the change in leadership, highlighting the growing vulnerability of minority communities.
The official’s call for removing “secular” from the constitution is a significant development that raises serious concerns about the future of Bangladesh. While the official claims to be promoting democracy, critics warn that this move could have dire consequences for the country’s already fragile social fabric.
The call for change also reflects a broader trend across the world where populist leaders are using religious sentiments to solidify their grip on power. The potential for religious extremism to undermine democratic values and human rights is a pressing concern in many countries, and the situation in Bangladesh is a stark reminder of the challenges ahead.