Bangladesh’s Attorney General, Md Asaduzzaman, has requested a constitutional revision to remove the term “secular” from the nation’s founding document, citing that “90 percent of the population is Muslim” and arguing for an alignment with what he describes as the country’s “democratic and historical ethos.” Asaduzzaman has also proposed that the title of “Father of the Nation” be removed from references to Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, further escalating debates over national identity and secularism.
The Attorney General presented his argument during a court hearing challenging the legality of the 15th Amendment, which had originally reintroduced secularism as a constitutional principle. Addressing Justices Farah Mahbub and Debashish Roy Chowdhury, Asaduzzaman said the proposed changes would harmonize the Constitution with Bangladesh’s historical values. “Earlier, there was constant trust and faith in Allah,” he stated, proposing a return to a version of the Constitution that reflects what he argues is the nation’s predominant faith. He pointed out perceived inconsistencies, highlighting Article 2A, which asserts religious equality, and Article 9, which emphasizes Bengali nationalism.
The Attorney General further argued that officially designating Sheikh Mujibur Rahman as the “Father of the Nation” imposes a divisive identity that could limit freedom of speech. “Honouring Sheikh Mujib’s contributions is essential,” he added, “but enforcing this through legislation is divisive.”
Indian government officials have raised concerns, framing the Attorney General’s proposals as symptomatic of a broader ideological shift in Bangladesh. Sources within India’s government suggest that more such initiatives may follow, describing the developments as part of a broader strategy driven by Islamist factions, including Jamaat-e-Islami.
Meanwhile, political tensions in Bangladesh have intensified as Nobel Peace laureate Muhammad Yunus, who assumed interim leadership on August 8, reconstituted the country’s judicial tribunal to pursue cases involving alleged abuses during Sheikh Hasina’s administration. Hasina, who fled to India in August following widespread protests, faces legal charges related to the deaths of hundreds of demonstrators in the recent unrest. On Tuesday, a special tribunal in Dhaka formally requested that Interpol issue a notice for Hasina’s arrest, with Yunus’s government pledging to seek her extradition.
Bangladesh now faces a crucial juncture, as the ongoing legal challenges and constitutional debates reshape its national identity. Observers within the region and internationally continue to monitor the unfolding developments with concern.
