Consensus commission proposes scrapping constitutional mandate for Mujib portrait display
Requests parties to submit written opinions by 4pm yesterday
The National Consensus Commission has proposed abolishing the constitutional requirement to display portraits of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman in all government and non-government offices and institutions.
The commission formally wrote to political parties on Thursday (10 October), inviting them to submit their opinions on including the proposal in the July National Charter 2025.
The letter stated that discussions on the formulation and implementation of the July Charter 2025 had concluded, and the commission was now considering whether to include the proposal for repealing Article 4A in the final draft.
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The letter states that Article 4A of the Constitution specifies: "Portraits of the Father of the Nation, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, shall be preserved and displayed in the offices of the president, prime minister, speaker and chief justice, as well as in all government and semi-government offices, autonomous bodies, statutory authorities, government and private educational institutions, and Bangladesh's embassies and missions abroad."
The letter, signed by commission Vice-Chairman Ali Riaz, requested that political parties and alliances submit written opinions on the matter by 4pm yesterday.
Submissions can be made directly to the commission's office, by email, or via WhatsApp. The letter also encouraged parties to use these same channels for further communication if needed.
When contacted, Amar Bangladesh (AB) Party confirmed receiving the commission's letter but said the party had yet to send its formal opinion.
The Awami League government, after returning to power in 2009, enacted the 15th Amendment to the Constitution on 30 June 2011.
That amendment added Article 4A under Part I, titled "Portrait of the Father of the Nation," making it mandatory to display Mujib's portrait.
