Dialogue Calls for Constitutional Reform in Bangladesh

At a recent dialogue organized by the Centre for Governance Studies in Bangladesh, experts discussed the potential need to rewrite the Constitution to enable better governance and true democracy, citing the inflexibility of the current document. They emphasized that the demands of the 1971 aspirations remain unfulfilled, and the 2024 mass uprising signifies a crucial moment for constitutional reform, possibly establishing a second republic. Meanwhile, in the U.S., legal scholar Erwin Chemerinsky called for a new Constitution to better align with contemporary democratic values, criticizing the Electoral College and lifetime appointments for Supreme Court justices as outdated. He argues that the original Constitution poses a risk of drifting towards authoritarianism. Furthermore, analysis of the recent 2024 Lok Sabha elections in India reveals that caste considerations and political dynasties continue to dominate, suggesting a disconnect between political expectations and ground realities. Overall, the discussions highlight a global trend of reevaluating foundational governance structures in light of current political climates.