The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) is preparing to submit its response to the reform proposals put forward by the National Consensus Commission, asserting that the elected parliament will be responsible for reforming the state.
The party plans to present its detailed feedback on Sunday, following a request from the Commission for input on 166 recommendations concerning the constitution, public administration, electoral system, judiciary, and the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC).
Sources indicate that while the BNP has refrained from commenting on all proposed reforms, it is focusing primarily on those deemed essential for creating a free, fair, and impartial election environment. The party intends to submit a comprehensive report alongside the spreadsheet provided by the Commission to ensure there is no room for confusion regarding its stance.
BNP Standing Committee Member Salahuddin Ahmed said, “Not everything has been covered in detail in the spreadsheet provided by the National Consensus Commission. Therefore, we are giving a detailed report along with the spreadsheet on behalf of BNP. So that there is no room for confusion.”
BNP officials said the response aligns with the recommendations of five reform commissions and the 31-point proposals announced by the party. While BNP has no major objections to reforms in public administration, the judiciary, or the ACC, it expressed concerns over proposed constitutional changes that could delay elections.
The party has rejected the 'Second Republic' and 'National Assembly elections' on the issue of reforms. It is not agree with the proportional representation system and the provincial government formula. BNP is also not in favor of simultaneously electing national and local governments during the term of the caretaker or interim government.
Objections have also been raised to reducing the minimum age to contest parliamentary elections to 21 years. It has been proposed that the same person should not be the prime minister for more than two consecutive terms. There is also a proposal for a balance of power between the prime minister and the president.
It has been disagreed with the idea that an interim government will assume its duties after the term of the legislature ends or if the legislature is dissolved, until the next elected government takes office. However, the party has expressed its consensus on the existence of an interim government for 90 days during the election period.
Opinions have been given on the formulation of a law to clarify the appointment, responsibilities and powers of the Election Commission, and conflicts of interest and ensure accountability. They do not have much objection to fundamental reforms in other areas, including the judiciary and the Anti-Corruption Commission.
BNP leaders said that the current interim government has taken oath in the light of this constitution. At a time when no constitution is written in the country, meaning the establishment of a new state, a Constituent Assembly is needed.
The party believes that the previous dictator Sheikh Hasina, in order to prolong her power, had framed the constitution in a party-based manner against democracy and in her favor. Therefore, the necessary reforms to the constitution are needed for the deviations or deviations that have occurred in the constitution. The elected parliament will make those reforms with political consensus.
The National Consensus Commission had sent a 'spreadsheet' (in the form of a table) to 38 political parties and alliances on March 6, seeking their opinions on 166 important recommendations of the five reform commissions on the constitution, public administration, electoral system, judiciary, and the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC).
The parties were asked to give their opinions by ticking one of the three options 'agree', 'disagree', and 'partially agree' on various reform proposals in the spreadsheet by March 13.
(Translated by Tanvir Raihan)
