Bangladesh is embarking on a significant constitutional overhaul with President Mohammed Shahabuddin’s issuance of the July National Charter (Constitution Reform) Implementation Order, 2025. This pivotal order revokes a previous clause that allowed constitutional amendments to be enacted automatically if a dedicated council failed to act within a specified period. A key change is the establishment of a bicameral parliament, a move designed to strengthen legislative processes and constitutional governance. The new framework mandates that the upcoming parliament will serve a dual role, acting as both the primary legislature and the Constitutional Reform Council. This combined body will have a 180-day window from its inaugural session to finalize and implement necessary constitutional amendments, ensuring a focused and timely approach to reform. The order also introduces a proportional representation system for the formation of the new Upper House of the Jatiya Sangsad, marking a significant shift in parliamentary structure and representation.
