| Khondkar Zillur Rahman: Although unbelievable, it is true that in the Referendum 77% voted “Yes” and 23% voted “No”. As a result of this 77% “Yes” vote, the foundation of democracy in the country has become stronger; that is, the key to the country is now preserved in your hands. Because “Yes” has won, the benefits you are receiving and the following 47 changes are being brought to the Constitution:
Alongside Bangla, all mother languages practiced in Bangladesh will be recognized as state languages.
The nationality of the citizens of Bangladesh will be replaced from “Bengali” to “Bangladeshi”.
For constitutional amendments, a two-thirds vote in the proposed lower house and a majority vote in the proposed upper house will be required.
A national referendum will be required to reform the caretaker government system.
As fundamental principles, Bengali nationalism, democracy, socialism, and secularism will be replaced by social equality, human dignity, social justice, religious freedom, and communal harmony.
The definition of secularism and religious freedom will be determined as “ensuring coexistence and due dignity of all communities.”
The right to uninterrupted internet service and the right to personal data protection will be added as fundamental rights.
To declare a state of emergency, instead of only the Prime Minister’s signature, approval from cabinet members and the Leader and Deputy Leader of the Opposition will be required.
The President will be elected by secret ballot and will be elected by members of the lower house.
The President will independently appoint the heads and members of the National Human Rights Commission, Information Commission, Press Council, Law Commission, and Bangladesh Energy Regulatory Commission, which previously required consultation only with the Prime Minister and Chief Justice.
To impeach the President, a two-thirds vote of both houses will be required.
In the case of presidential pardon for criminals, consent from the victim’s family will be mandatory.
One person will not be able to serve as Prime Minister for more than 10 years.
The caretaker system will be reinstated and formed based on consensus among the ruling party, the main opposition party, and the second opposition party. A bicameral legislature will be introduced.
The upper house will be formed with 100 seats distributed proportionally according to votes received by parties in the general election.
Reserved seats for women in the lower house will gradually be increased to 100.
The Deputy Speaker of the National Parliament will be elected from the opposition party.
Article 70 will be abolished, which prohibits floor crossing or voting against one’s own party.
Any major international treaty concerning national security will require approval from both houses.
The authority to redraw boundaries will be transferred from the Bangladesh Election Commission to a specialized committee formed by Parliament.
The Election Commission will be formed under the supervision of the Speaker, Deputy Speaker, Prime Minister, Leader of the Opposition, and Chief Justice.
The Chief Justice will be appointed from the Appellate Division of the Supreme Court.
The number of judges appointed to the Appellate Division will be determined according to the necessity of the Chief Justice, and the exclusive authority to appoint High Court judges will be vested in the Chief Justice.
Full independence of the judiciary will be constitutionally ensured, necessary numbers of High Court benches will be established in each division, the Supreme Judicial Council will be strengthened, and control over the appointment of subordinate court judges will be vested in the Supreme Court.
The Ombudsman will be appointed under the supervision of the Speaker, Deputy Speaker, Prime Minister, leaders of the main and second opposition parties, and judges of the Appellate Division.
The Chief Justice will be appointed from the Appellate Division of the Supreme Court.
The number of judges appointed to the Appellate Division will be determined according to the necessity of the Chief Justice, and the exclusive authority to appoint High Court judges will be vested in the Chief Justice.
Full independence of the judiciary will be constitutionally ensured, necessary numbers of High Court benches will be established in each division, the Supreme Judicial Council will be strengthened, and control over the appointment of subordinate court judges will be vested in the Supreme Court.
The Ombudsman will be appointed under the supervision of the Speaker, Deputy Speaker, Prime Minister, leaders of the main and second opposition parties, and judges of the Appellate Division.
A separate committee comprising opposition parties will be formed for appointing the Chairman and Commissioners of the Public Service Commission, the Comptroller and Auditor General, and the Anti-Corruption Commission.
A new article will be added to the Constitution to prevent misuse of constitutional powers.
To implement public administration reform programs, an independent and permanent Public Administration Reform Commission will be formed; additionally, the existing Public Service Commission (PSC) will be divided into Public Service Commission (General), Public Service Commission (Education), and Public Service Commission (Health).
Cumilla Division and Faridpur Division will be established.
| 
