Bangladesh to become Islamic nation? Attorney general wants 'secular' dropped from Constitution

The Attorney General added that the constitutional amendments should reflect democracy and avoid promoting authoritarianism

Bangladesh's attorney general Md Asaduzzaman has said that the word "secular" should be removed from the nation's Constitution since "90% of the population is Muslim".

He also opposed the title of "father of the nation" for Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, the father of ousted prime minister Sheikh Hasina. He argued that though it is vital to honour Sheikh Mujib's contributions, "enforcing them by law creates division".

Asaduzzaman made these arguments during a court hearing on the legality of the 15th Amendment.

“Earlier, there was constant trust and faith in Allah. I want it the way it was before. It is said in Article 2A that the state shall ensure equal rights and equality in the practice of all religions. Article 9 talks about ‘Bengali nationalism’. It is contradictory,” he said.

The Attorney General added that the constitutional amendments should reflect democracy and avoid promoting authoritarianism, India Today reported.

He also criticised Articles 7A and 7B, which prevent any amendments or changes that could "subvert democracy," saying that these provisions actually weaken democracy by limiting reforms and entrenching political power.

He said that the provisions seek to prolong the dictatorship for ulterior motives and are "antithetical" to the rule of law.

Later, Indian government sources told CNN-News18 that the Attorney General's arguments are in line with the Muhammad Yunus government.

“The Jamaat-e-Islami is running its agenda in the country,” they said.

Bangladesh plunged into deep turmoil after massive protests by students forced Sheikh Hasina to resign as the Prime Minister and flee the country in August 2024. She took refuge in India.

The protests were triggered by a long-running resentment over a reservation system that saw 56% of government positions in Bangladesh reserved for various groups, including 30% for the descendants of freedom fighters who fought in the 1971 War of Independence.

After Hasina's exit, Yunus (84), who won the Nobel Peace Prize in 2006 for his pioneering work on microlending, was designated head of the interim government after President Mohammed Shahabuddin dissolved parliament.