President Mohammed Shahabuddin has officially promulgated the July National Charter (Constitution Reform) Implementation Order, 2025, marking a new era for Bangladesh’s constitutional framework. The order ushers in a bicameral parliament and rescinds the previous rule that allowed constitutional reforms to pass automatically if the reform council was inactive.
Under the new provisions, the parliament elected after a successful referendum will simultaneously function as the legislature and the Constitutional Reform Council. This body will have a concentrated 180-day period from its commencement to finalize and enact constitutional amendments. This reform aims for greater efficiency in legislative processes.
The order also establishes a bicameral parliamentary structure. The forthcoming Upper House of the Jatiya Sangsad will be constituted through a proportional representation (PR) mechanism. This ensures that political parties gain representation in the Upper Chamber in direct proportion to the votes they garner in the national parliamentary elections.
Professor Muhammad Yunus, the Chief Adviser, elaborated on the Upper House’s composition and authority. He confirmed it will comprise 100 members, chosen based on the proportional election results. A key feature is that constitutional amendments will require the backing of a majority of these Upper House members, creating a significant legislative safeguard. This Upper House will operate until the conclusion of the Lower House’s term.