Attorney general Md Asaduzzaman on Thursday defended Bangladesh’s interim government’s decision to form reform commissions, stressing that these measures are essential to safeguard constitutional institutions undermined during deposed prime minister Sheikh Hasina’s 15-year tenure.

He emphasised that the reforms are critical for restoring the balance of power among different branches of government, which had become skewed in favour of the executive.

Asaduzzaman argued that, under the current constitutional framework, power across the executive, legislative and judiciary has been disproportionately concentrated in the office of the prime minister.

He specifically called for the abolition of Article 70 of the Constitution, which restricts members of parliament from dissenting against the prime minister’s actions, thus reinforcing executive dominance.

The proposed reform commissions, according to the attorney general, will address key issues such as the formation of the government, the process for appointing justices to the Supreme Court and resolving long-standing disputes over the transfer, posting, and oversight of subordinate court judges.

Reflecting on past practices, Asaduzzaman pointed out that the judiciary, including the Supreme Court, had at times aligned with the government’s interests, particularly during crackdowns on pro-democracy protesters, instances of enforced disappearances and incidents of looting. He stressed the importance of judicial independence in upholding the rule of law and ensuring that courts serve to protect the rights of the people and the sovereignty vested in them.

‘As the chief legal officer of Bangladesh, I am fully committed to providing the necessary guidance to the reform commissions to ensure these essential changes are realised,’ Asaduzzaman affirmed.