Former Bangladesh Bank Governor Professor Dr Mohammed Farashuddin has called for granting constitutional status to the office of the Bangladesh Bank governor as part of a broader package of constitutional reforms, aimed at strengthening democratic governance and accelerating economic growth.

He also recommended proportional representation for an Upper House while retaining the existing system of direct elections for the Lower House.

"Members of Parliament should continue to be elected directly to the Lower House, while proportional representation could be introduced for the Upper House," he said at a programme in the capital.

Dr Farashuddin delivered the keynote address, "Constitutional Reform and Democratic Governance: A Bangladesh Perspective", at the 8th Nahreen Khan Memorial Lecture at East West University (EWU) on Sunday.

The programme, held at the Manzur Elahi Auditorium of EWU, was also addressed by EWU Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr Shams Rahman, retired University of Dhaka professor Dr Fakrul Alam, senior journalist Sohrab Hasan and EWU Treasurer Air Commodore (Retd.) Ishfaq Ilahi Choudhury.

He also proposed establishing a metropolitan authority for the greater Dhaka area similar to that of Delhi, saying that such measures could help Bangladesh become a trillion-dollar economy within the next decade.

Dr Farashuddin also proposed allowing lawmakers to vote independently on all legislative matters except constitutional amendments, money bills and motions of no confidence, arguing that such a system would strengthen parliamentary democracy.

sajibur@gmail.com