Bangladesh appears to be quietly preparing for a historic shift in its parliamentary system. As the possibility of introducing a bicameral legislature gains momentum, the Parliament Secretariat has begun exploring where a proposed 100-member Upper House could be accommodated inside the Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban.
At the same time, political activity surrounding the “Yes” campaign ahead of the upcoming referendum has sparked debate over whether electoral politics is being overshadowed by future power arrangements.
The main chamber of the National Parliament is located on the third floor of the iconic complex designed by renowned architect Louis I Kahn. It currently has 354 seats—300 for directly elected members of parliament, 50 reserved for women, and four for technocrat ministers and state ministers.
If an Upper House is introduced, an additional 100 seats will be required. Finding space within the existing structure while preserving Kahn’s original design has emerged as a complex challenge.
Nevertheless, the Parliament Secretariat has been exploring alternative options without altering the architectural integrity of the building.
From speaker’s galleries to public galleries
Initial discussions considered allocating the 100 seats on either side of the Speaker’s podium in the main chamber.
These areas are currently used by Supreme Court judges, chiefs of the armed forces, foreign heads of government, diplomats, international delegates, senior bureaucrats, and other distinguished guests.
However, officials failed to identify suitable alternative seating arrangements for these high-profile observers, leading to the proposal being dropped.
Attention has since shifted to the fifth floor of the Parliament building, which houses five public galleries—Shapla, Shiuli, Bakul, Jamuna, and Shimul.
According to sources, a proposal is now under consideration to merge two adjacent galleries and renovate them to accommodate Upper House members.
The plan includes installing desks, seating, sound systems, and other facilities required for parliamentary proceedings.
Officials said the final decision would be left to the next elected government and parliament.
Several meetings have already been held between the Parliament Secretariat, the Department of Architecture, and the Public Works Department. However, officials have declined to comment publicly, citing strategic sensitivities.
Political analysts say the move is not merely infrastructural but signals a potentially significant reconfiguration of state power and legislative authority.
Referendum and the path to bicameralism
The referendum on the July Charter will be held on February 12, the same day as the 13th national parliamentary election. If the “Yes” vote prevails, Bangladesh will enter a bicameral parliamentary system for the first time in its history.
Under the charter, the newly elected parliament would first have to pass constitutional amendments through consensus. A timeline of 180 working days has been set for completing the reform process.
Earlier, election expert and Citizens for Good Governance (Shujan) editor Dr Badiul Alam Majumdar said that if the referendum passes, a constitutional reform council comprising newly elected members of parliament would be formed.
“The council will complete constitutional reforms within 180 working days. Within 30 working days of that, a 100-member Upper House will be formed based on the proportional representation of votes received by political parties in the parliamentary election,” he said.
The tenure of the Upper House would remain valid until the final working day of the lower house.
How other countries introduced Upper Houses
Globally, bicameral legislatures are often introduced to strengthen checks and balances, broaden representation, and reduce legislative dominance by a single political force.
In India, the Rajya Sabha represents states and union territories and is indirectly elected by state legislatures. It serves as a revising chamber that scrutinises legislation passed by the Lok Sabha, while ensuring continuity as it is not subject to dissolution.
The United Kingdom’s House of Lords, though unelected, plays a critical role in reviewing, delaying, and proposing amendments to legislation. Its members are appointed based on experience and expertise, enabling detailed legislative scrutiny.
In Australia, the Senate is elected through proportional representation and wields substantial power, including the ability to block legislation. This has often forced governments to negotiate and compromise, strengthening parliamentary accountability.
Canada’s Senate, meanwhile, though appointed, is designed to represent regional interests and review legislation from a longer-term, non-electoral perspective.
Political analysts note that while Upper Houses vary in composition and authority, their effectiveness depends on clear constitutional roles, democratic legitimacy, and restraint from partisan dominance—factors that will be crucial for Bangladesh if it proceeds with the reform.
While preparations for institutional reform continue, some voters say the focus on the “Yes” campaign is dominating electoral campaigning on the ground.
Medical technologist Golam Mostofa, a voter from the Dhaka-12 constituency, said: “I don’t understand everything, but I can see that the NCP seems more focused on campaigning for the ‘Yes’ vote to enter the Upper House than on contesting the election itself."
“At this time, candidates are supposed to be sweating it out asking for votes, but here the NCP candidates appear more engaged in ‘Yes’ campaigning than seeking votes.”
His remarks reflect a growing perception among some voters that future political positioning is taking precedence over direct electoral competition.
Students raise concerns over voting access
University students have also raised concerns, particularly regarding access to voting.
Mehir Sultana, a student at Dhaka University, said she supports the introduction of postal voting.
“I am not a voter in this constituency, but because of my studies and activities, it is difficult for me to travel home during elections. If postal ballots were available, I could at least ensure my right to vote,” she said.
However, she expressed concern about the broader political climate.
“The way the ‘Yes’ campaign has started makes it seem like one party is working much harder to secure Upper House seats than to ensure voter participation. That is harmful for democracy.”
Analysts argue that while structural reforms such as an Upper House and proportional representation could strengthen checks and balances, elections must remain centred on voter engagement and accountability.
If candidates become detached from grassroots campaigning, the democratic process itself risks being weakened, they warn.
The experience in Dhaka constituencies, analysts say, reflects a broader tension between long-term institutional reform and the immediate responsibility of representing voters.
From quietly identifying seating arrangements inside Parliament to highly visible “Yes” campaigns on the streets, Bangladesh’s political landscape appears to be at a crossroads.
Supporters view bicameralism as a step toward a more balanced, inclusive, and accountable system. Critics caution that reforms must not come at the expense of core democratic practices—particularly voter participation and competitive elections.