Existing constitution paves way to rise of dictatorship, authoritarian govt: Ali Riaz

Bangladesh's existing constitution, which was adopted in 1972, itself paved the way for the potential rise of a one-person-centric dictator or authoritarian government in the country, Head of the Constitution Reform Commission Prof Ali Riaz said yesterday.

"Because it lacks any provision to remove the prime minister, unlike in other countries," he said at a seminar titled "Good Governance and Democracy" organised by the Centre for Democracy and Good Governance in Dhaka today (1 February).

Ali Riaz further said after the 4th amendment, the powers of the president have been transferred to the prime minister in the 12th amendment. Consequently, the president cannot do anything without the advice of the prime minister, facilitating the emergence of a person-centered system.

This issue remains unaddressed despite amendments to the constitution, noted the professor.

Mentioning that only person-centred dictatorship was established in the past 16 years, he stated that after 1972, Sheikh Mujibur Rahman's dictatorship returned through Sheikh Hasina.

Now, all political parties must remain united in pursuing the opportunity for structural change in the country, said the professor, highlighting the establishment of democracy.

"Not just the desire to oust the fascist government, the desire for change has also been created through the mass uprising [in 2024]. This is now the path to establish democracy in the post-mass uprising Bangladesh".

The constitution also failed to guarantee the freedom of the country's judicial system, he alleged. 

"All the 'activities' of the subordinate courts have been handed over to the president."

As per the constitution, the president has the power to appoint people to subordinate courts, and also control and discipline its judges and magistrates.

"The judiciary has to go to the Ministry of Law for a budget, because it does not have financial independence," added Ali Riaz.

Also, the president appoints the Election Commission and Public Service Commission on the advice of the prime minister. "As a result, appointments are granted solely to individuals who can offer advantages."

In addition, MPs are given money for local development, which he said is unconstitutional, and to control the local government system.

"This control has reached such a state that, in the end, local government elections were held on party symbols."