The Constitution Reform Commission is preparing to recommend the creation of a bicameral national parliament. As per the draft proposal, the lower house will consist of 400 seats, with elections held under the current system, including 100 seats reserved for women elected directly. The upper house will feature 105 seats, elected through proportional representation, bringing the total number of parliamentary seats to 505.
Sources from the commission indicate that these reforms aim to prevent power concentration and constitutional autocracy by ensuring a balance of power. The commission is also proposing amendments to the fundamental principles of the existing constitution and plans to submit its final report to the interim government’s Chief Adviser, Professor Muhammad Yunus, on Wednesday.
The idea of a bicameral parliament was previously suggested in September by Tarique Rahman, who announced that the BNP would implement such a system if it wins the election. Rahman emphasized the need to engage intellectuals, academics, professionals, and activists in governance, noting that the current framework excludes them from parliamentary participation. He proposed an upper house as part of a bicameral system to leverage their contributions for the nation’s development.
