Since the forced exile of Sheikh Hasina in August 2024 and the subsequent collapse of Bangladesh’s constitutional government, the country has entered a period marked by instability, mob rule, and pronounced attempts to reshape its fundamental national identity. The interim government, led by Muhammad Yunus, has set in motion efforts that many observers see as a deliberate move toward erasing the historical and secular legacy established by the War of Liberation in 1971.

The Bangladesh Constitution of 1972 stands as a testament to the ideals that defined the nation’s struggle for independence—nationalism, democracy, secularism, and socialism. While these founding ideals have been undermined periodically by constitutional amendments, recent developments—including proposals to amend or abandon the 1972 Constitution without parliamentary debate—have raised grave concerns. The absence of representative oversight, alongside the rise of communal political forces, poses a direct threat to the secular, democratic foundations of the country.

Restoring the 1972 Constitution, with its emphasis on pluralism and egalitarianism, is seen by many as essential for the country’s future. Bangladesh today stands at a crossroads: whether to safeguard its inclusive and secular legacy or to succumb further to authoritarian and communal pressures.