| Proposed | 15 January 2025 |
|---|---|
| Member | 9 |
The National Constitutional Council (NCC) is a proposed national institution proposed by the Constitutional Reform Commission of the interim government of Bangladesh in 2025. It is composed of representatives from the three branches of the state. Under the proposed reform, the National Constitutional Council (NCC) will play a pivotal role in ensuring transparency, accountability, and balance among various state institutions.
History
A mass uprising Student–People's uprising (a.k.a. July Revolution) took place on August 5, leading to Sheikh Hasina fleeing the country and seeking refuge in India. In the ensuing situation, an interim government was formed under the leadership of Muhammad Yunus. To implement reforms, the interim government established Constitutional Reform Commission on October 6, 2024, headed by Professor Ali Riaz. The commission submitted its report to Chief Advisor Muhammad Yunus on January 15, 2025. This report proposed the creation of a National Constitutional Council (NCC). On January 16, an all-party dialogue commenced to discuss this proposal.
Members
The National Constitutional Council (NCC) is a national institution composed of representatives from the three branches of the state. Members of the NCC will include:
- President
- Prime Minister
- Leader of the Opposition
- Speaker of the Lower House
- Speaker of the Upper House
- Chief Justice of Bangladesh
- Deputy Speaker of the Lower House nominated by the Opposition
- Deputy Speaker of the Upper House nominated by the Opposition
- One member nominated from among the remaining members of both houses of the legislature (excluding members representing the political parties of the Prime Minister and the Leader of the Opposition) by majority vote of the members of both houses. This vote must be held within seven (7) working days from the date of formation of both houses of the legislature. In the case of a coalition government, members of coalition parties other than the party represented by the Prime Minister will be eligible to vote in this nomination.
Even if the legislature is dissolved, the existing NCC members will remain active until the Chief Adviser of the interim government is sworn in. During the absence of a legislature, the members of the NCC will be:
- President
- Chief Adviser
- Chief Justice of Bangladesh
- Two members of the Advisory Council nominated by the Chief Adviser
Responsibility
The NCC will submit names to the President for appointment to the following positions:
- The Chief Election Commissioner and other Election Commissioners
- The Attorney General and Additional Attorney Generals
- The Chairperson and other Commissioners of the Public Service Commission
- The Chairperson and other Commissioners of the Anti-Corruption Commission
- The Chairperson and other Commissioners of the Human Rights Commission
- The Chief Local Government Commission and other Commissioners
- The Chiefs of the Defense Forces
- Any other positions prescribed by law
See also
- Constitutional Reform Commission (Bangladesh)
- Criticism of the Constitution of Bangladesh
- 2024 Bangladesh constitutional crisis
- Next Bangladeshi general election
- Interim government of Muhammad Yunus
Notes
References
- ^ "Summary of the Constitutional Reform Commission" (PDF). crc.legislativediv.gov.bd. 15 January 2024. Archived from the original (PDF) on 15 January 2025. Retrieved 16 January 2025.
- "Understanding the Constitutional Council: In Bangladesh and elsewhere". The Business Standard. 2025-01-16. Retrieved 2025-01-16.
- প্রতিবেদক, নিজস্ব (2025-01-16). "জুলাই ঘোষণাপত্র নিয়ে সর্বদলীয় বৈঠকে এসেছেন বিএনপি-জামায়াতসহ বিভিন্ন দলের নেতারা". Prothomalo (in Bengali). Retrieved 2025-01-16.
- "Cut PM's absolute powers – constitutional reform commission proposes". The Business Standard. 2025-01-15. Retrieved 2025-01-16.
- "Constitutional reform commission proposes major changes to state governance principles". Dhaka Tribune. Retrieved 2025-01-16.