Ali Riaz suggests that reform should be grounded in the social connections and relationships among citizens

Ali Riaz, Chairman of the Constitution Reform Commission, emphasized the need for political and institutional reforms, highlighting that such changes should be rooted in the social connections among citizens.

Bangladesh is currently navigating one of its most turbulent periods since independence. Following the unprecedented July mass upsurge, the nation finds itself in a moment of both uncertainty and opportunity.

This period marks the culmination of 53 years of political and governance history in Bangladesh. Given this context, the question of political and institutional reform becomes crucial. Over these 53 years, Bangladeshi politics has experienced continuous instability, Riaz noted, speaking at the 15th anniversary celebration of Kaler Kantho, one of the country's leading Bengali newspapers.

Throughout this time, citizens have lived amidst crises and possibilities, hope and disappointment, while the country's system of governance has undergone numerous changes.

The journey began with a parliamentary system in 1972, which was dismantled within three and a half years, giving way to a one-party presidential system, only to be overturned by a military coup. After a lengthy period of military rule lasting over 15 years, Bangladesh returned to a parliamentary system in 1991, following a popular uprising.

However, the promise of a renewed democratic Bangladesh gradually diminished. During this time, a two-party political system emerged, but rather than strengthening democratic institutions, it led to the rise of a “prime ministerial governance” model. The centralization of power, initially embedded in the 1972 Constitution, became more pronounced through various amendments.