MOHIUDDIN ALAMGIR

Political analysts have opposed the Electoral Reform Commission’s recommendation of making a bachelor’s degree mandatory to become a member of the upper house in the proposed bicameral legislature.

They argue that setting such a minimum educational qualification contradicts the spirit of the constitution, which guarantees every citizen the right to form associations or unions.

“This is an illogical provision. On one hand, you say everyone has the right to participate in politics, but on the other hand, you impose a requirement that a graduation degree is necessary to become a member of the upper house,” said Professor Nizam Ahmed, an expert on parliamentary affairs.

“There are many people who do not have a graduation degree but possess vast knowledge of political matters and people’s needs through their experience. Conversely, many may have a graduation degree but lack knowledge of realpolitik,” added Nizam, who is also a Public Administration teacher at Chittagong University.

The Electoral Reform Commission, in its report submitted to Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus in mid-January, recommended that members of the upper house should be at least 35 years old, with a minimum educational qualification of a bachelor’s degree.

The Constitutional Reform Commission also proposed a bicameral legislature but did not impose any minimum educational qualification or age cap as a prerequisite for membership for the upper house.

According to the constitution, a citizen of Bangladesh who is at least 25 years old is eligible to run for a seat in parliament. Moreover, there is currently no minimum educational qualification for the positions of president, prime minister, or even members of local government bodies.

Professor Sabbir Ahmed of Dhaka University’s Political Science department said there is no educational qualification requirement for becoming the president or the PM.

“Setting a bachelor’s degree requirement is a form of discrimination, and the latest mass uprising was against such discrimination,” he said.

A political scientist, speaking on condition of anonymity, described the move to impose a minimum educational qualification as “undemocratic,” arguing that every citizen should have the right to run for elections and that education cannot be a barrier.

“We have seen many political figures without a bachelor’s degree who have made significant contributions to the nation. Such leaders are still active in politics,” he added.

BNP Standing Committee Member Iqbal Hasan Mahmud Tuku said his party would issue an official response to the various proposals of the reform commission at a later date.

However, another BNP Standing Committee Member commented that for a policymaker, educational qualifications are irrelevant; what truly matters is their capability to govern effectively.

Electoral Reform Commission member Abdul Alim said they proposed a bachelor’s degree as the minimum educational qualification to ensure better decision-making in the upper house.

He said the recommendation was based on the majority opinion during stakeholder consultations. According to him, many people who submitted proposals through emails, websites, and social media supported the educational qualification requirement.

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