Attorney general Md Asaduzzaman on Thursday backed the interim government鈥檚 decision to establish six reform commissions, underscoring their importance for restoring constitutional institutions allegedly damaged during deposed prime minister Sheikh Hasina鈥檚 15-year rule.
鈥楢s the chief legal officer of Bangladesh, I am fully ready to advise the commissions, if necessary, to ensure these vital changes are implemented, 鈥橝saduzzaman said in his reaction to the commissions, at his office.
Chief adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus announced the commissions on Wednesday night, focusing on reforms in the electoral system, police administration, judiciary, anti-corruption efforts, public administration, and constitutional matters.
These reforms are essential for rebalancing power among the branches of government, Asaduzzaman said, adding that power excessively concentrated in the hands of the prime minister.
He highlighted the need to abolish Article 70 of the constitution, which currently prevents lawmakers of the parliament from opposing the prime minister鈥檚 decisions, thereby reinforcing executive control.
The attorney general explained that the reform commissions would tackle crucial issues such as government structure, the Supreme Court justice appointment process, and long-standing disputes over the transfer and oversight of subordinate court judges.
Reflecting on past practices, Asaduzzaman noted that the judiciary, including the Supreme Court, had occasionally aligned with government interests, particularly during crackdowns on democracy protesters, enforced disappearances, and incidents of looting.
He emphasised that judicial independence is critical to upholding the rule of law and ensuring court for protecting the rights and sovereignty of the people.
In response to a query, Asaduzzaman praised Bangladesh Nationalist Party acting chairman Tarique Rahman鈥檚 recent proposal to decentralise power and impose a two-term limit on the prime minister.
He acknowledged that such reforms would be instrumental in promoting political accountability and preventing the concentration of power in a single individual.