Bangladesh Considers Constitutional Reforms, Echoing Indian Debate on Secularism and Socialism
Bangladesh, a nation of over 170 million, is currently grappling with proposed constitutional reforms, aiming to undo decades of shrinking civic spaces and democratic institution weakening following a period of authoritarian rule and a 2024 July revolution. These reforms echo debates in neighbouring India over the place of 'socialist' and 'secular' in their respective constitutions.
The Bangladesh Constitution Reform Commission has proposed a new preamble, omitting the words 'socialism' and 'secularism'. This move mirrors the ongoing debate in India, where the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has suggested removing these terms. In India, the 42nd Amendment of 1976, during Indira Gandhi's rule, added these words, while in Bangladesh, the 15th Amendment of 2011, under the Awami League, restored them after a period of authoritarianism.
Both nations share a history of controversy surrounding these amendments. The 42nd Amendment in India and the 15th Amendment in Bangladesh are associated with authoritarian policies and human rights violations. The debate over 'secularism' in particular has sparked significant controversy in both countries. In India, the BJP and its affiliates advocate for a 'Hindu nation', while in Bangladesh, the proposed reforms have sparked debate about the role of religion in politics.
As Bangladesh considers these reforms, it looks to India, where similar debates rage on. Both nations must navigate their shared history and common anxieties about religion's role in politics, with the potential to reshape their constitutional identities.
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