Amendments to the constitution of Bangladesh 1973-2011: Background, politics and impacts

Abstract

The Constitution is the guide which leads a nation to the prosperity. A modern state cannot be thought of without it. So, after nine months long blood-shedding battle in 1971, Bangladesh achieved her long awaited independence and therefore, took an instant effort to formulate a constitution rapidly, based on the ideological spirit of the war of independence. However, to accommodate the demands and will of the people and even sometimes to fulfill the narrow interests of the rulers, Bangladesh Constitution has been amended several times. Except a few cases almost every amendments has a great political impacts in the constitution. The very first amendment of the constitution about war-crimes was filled-up the hope and aspiration of the people. Indeed, the fourth, fifth, seventh and eighth amendments were enacted only achieving personal and political gain of the ruler. Moreover, reintroducing the parliament system by twelfth amendments got hail from the masses. Though the caretaker government system, is one of the finest invention by our parties for holding general election which adopted through thirteenth amendment after long chaotic process, did not last long for mistrust and distrust. The fourteenth amendment again created suspicion in the mind of the oppositions so it became worthwhile. The most aspired and comprehensive fifteenth amendment also induced a great debate among the political parties, intellectual part, constitution experts and masses. In view of all the circumstances, it is found that almost every adopted amendment in Bangladesh Constitution failed to meet the dream and the quest of the citizens for the narrow and mean interest of the rulers at different regime. Analyzing all these amendments of Bangladesh constitution it is said that for flourishing of democracy each government must undertake such rules in the constitution through amendment which are accepted by all.