US constitution day celebrated at DU

Discussions on constitutional governance, the rule of law, democratic values, independence of the judiciary and fundamental rights were held at a programme organized at Dhaka University (DU) on the occasion of the United States Constitution Day.

The programme was organized jointly by the Faculty of Law of Dhaka University and the US Embassy in Dhaka at the Nawab Nawab Ali Chowdhury Senate Building auditorium at 10am on Thursday (September 17).

Law Minister Md. Asaduzzaman was the chief guest at the inaugural session of the programme. US Ambassador to Bangladesh Brent T. Christensen was present as the guest of honor. Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Education) of Dhaka University Professor Abdus Salam was the special guest. Dean of the Faculty of Law Professor Mohammad Ikramul Haque presided over the programme.

In his speech as the chief guest, Law Minister Md. Asaduzzaman highlighted the historical importance of the US Constitution. He said the US Constitution has institutionalised important principles of democracy, freedom and the rule of law. Later these constitutional principles and concepts have also influenced the constitutional structures and legal systems of various countries of the world.

The law minister said comparative discussions can be held on various aspects of the US Constitution and the Constitution of Bangladesh. In particular, judicial review, separation of powers, fundamental rights and constitutional control over state power are important subjects.

He also mentioned that such academic discussions can play an important role in increasing public awareness about the constitution and constitutional rights.

In his welcome speech, Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Education) of Dhaka University Professor Abdus Salam said the US Constitution is an important document of modern constitutional history. Principles such as separation of powers, balance and control of power, the rule of law and protection of citizens’ fundamental rights are notable features of this constitution. These principles have had an important influence on constitutional thought and practice worldwide.

US Ambassador Brent T. Christensen said the US Constitution begins with the sentence ‘We the People’. In the summer of 1787, representatives gathered in Philadelphia to draft the constitution. Despite differences of opinion and debates on various issues, they established a constitutional system where the opportunity for complete power to be concentrated in the hands of any single person or institution was not kept through separation of powers and mutual control.

The ambassador said Constitution Day is celebrated every year on September 17 in the United States. The day creates an opportunity to think about the country’s constitutional heritage and democratic values. Various amendments have been brought to the US Constitution over time and the opportunity has been kept to advance the constitutional system in keeping with changing situations.

After the inaugural session, a panel discussion was held on the subject of ‘The US Constitution’. Comparative aspects of the constitutional systems of Bangladesh and the United States, separation of powers, independence of the judiciary, constitutional rights and the constitutional experiences of the two countries were discussed in it. Teachers, lawyers, researchers and students participated in the discussion.

Teachers of various faculties of Dhaka University, lawyers, researchers, students and representatives of the law and justice sectors as well as relevant persons were present at the programme.