Bangladesh’s President Mohammed Shahabuddin has signed into law the July National Charter (Constitution Reform) Implementation Order, 2025. This significant legislation introduces a bicameral parliament and alters the process for constitutional reform. A key change revokes the previous automatic enactment clause for reforms if the Constitutional Reform Council missed deadlines.
The newly formed parliament, following a successful referendum, will assume a dual role. It will function as both the national legislature and the Constitutional Reform Council. This body will have a strict 180-day window from its initial session to finalize and implement any necessary constitutional amendments. This streamlined approach aims to expedite the reform process.
The order also establishes a bicameral legislative system, featuring an Upper House. This Upper House of the Jatiya Sangsad will be formed using a proportional representation (PR) system. This means seats will be allocated based on the proportion of votes each political party receives in the national parliamentary elections, ensuring broader representation.
Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus clarified that the Upper House will consist of 100 members. He detailed that the PR system will ensure that parties are represented in line with their electoral performance. Crucially, any proposed constitutional amendment will necessitate the endorsement of a majority of the Upper House members. This provides a significant check and balance within the reform process. The Upper House is set to operate until the final day of the Lower House’s term.