Commission Proposes Replacing Constitution's Preamble

The Constitution Reform Commission, led by Prof. Ali Riaz, has recommended a new preamble for Bangladesh's Constitution. The Commission, formed in September 2024, submitted its report to Chief Adviser Prof. Muhammad Yunus on January 15, 2025. A summary of the recommendations has since been made available on the Commission’s website.

The proposed preamble begins with a tribute to Bangladesh's long and historic struggle for liberation, highlighting the people's victory in the War of Independence and their united fight against dictatorship and fascism. It emphasizes the sacrifices of martyrs and reaffirms the ideals of equality, human dignity, and social justice that guided the country's independence and the 2024 struggle for democracy.

The proposed preamble outlines the Constitution as a commitment to the principles of equality, democracy, social justice, and pluralism. It pledges to ensure inclusive national development while safeguarding the rights of current and future generations. Furthermore, it underscores the importance of mutual rights, responsibilities, and accountability among citizens, and the guarantee of people's representation in governance.

Additionally, the preamble expresses a commitment to international peace, cooperation, and the sovereignty of Bangladesh. It concludes with a solemn declaration of the Constitution as the fundamental charter of the People's Republic of Bangladesh, adopted by the will of its people.

This proposal comes after the fall of the fascist Awami League (AL) government in August 2024, following a mass uprising. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina resigned and fled the country, and an interim government, led by Prof. Muhammad Yunus, was formed. In his televised address on September 11, Yunus announced the formation of multiple commissions, including the Constitution Reform Commission, as part of a broader state reform agenda.