Constitutional Amendments through Referendums and Parliamentary Procedures: A Comparative Study of Global Practices and the Bangladesh Context
What truly safeguards democracy — the voice of the people directly in a referendum or the deliberations of elected representatives in parliament? Can blending both approaches strengthen constitutional reform and prevent authoritarian backslides? Introduction Constitutions are the supreme legal frameworks that define governance, citizen rights, and the balance of power within a nation. However, as societies evolve, constitutions require amendments to reflect new realities and aspirations. The process of amending a constitution varies widely—some countries empower their citizens directly through referendums, while others rely on their elected legislatures for amendments. Many combine these methods. This post delves into the two primary pathways for constitutional amendments—referendums and parliamentary procedures—analyzing their strengths, weaknesses, and global applications. It then contextualizes the discussion for Bangladesh, a country grappling with political volatility and dem...