The Constitutional Reform Commission, led by Professor Ali Riaz, has submitted a landmark proposal to Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus, suggesting transformative changes to Bangladesh’s electoral system. Among the key recommendations is reducing the minimum age for national election candidacy from 25 to 21. If implemented, this move will enable young individuals, including students, to directly represent the public in the National Parliament.
The commission also proposed a mandate requiring political parties to nominate at least 10% of their candidates from youth under 35 years, further empowering the nation’s younger generation.
Another significant reform includes transitioning to a bicameral legislature. The proposed structure outlines a 300-member lower house elected from single constituencies and 100 women representatives elected directly by voters from 100 districts. Upper house seats would be allocated based on party representation in the lower house.
This new framework could see young leaders occupying at least 40 of the 400 seats in the lower house, promoting generational diversity and fresh perspectives in governance.
The interim government plans to discuss these recommendations with political parties in February, aiming for consensus on actionable reforms. Experts view these proposals as a milestone toward inclusive and progressive governance.