BNP Standing Committee member Nazrul Islam Khan has said the party is not opposed to reform but rather is itself a party of reform — with the will of the people at the heart of any transformation.
He made the remarks on Thursday morning at the outset of BNP’s formal dialogue with the National Consensus Commission at the LD Hall of the National Parliament on Thursday (17 April).
“We told the chief adviser yesterday that the BNP is not against reform. It is a party of reform. But some continue to speak as if reform is a new concept,” Nazrul said. “Let us not forget that even before reform was a buzzword on their lips, our leader Khaleda Zia had announced Vision 2030.”
The discussions, which began at around 10.30am, focused on key reform proposals under review by the National Consensus Commission.
The Commission, headed by interim Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus, has been working since 15 February to build national agreement on political and institutional reforms.
Nazrul reiterated the BNP’s long struggle for democracy and said the party would seize the opportunity to support efforts to restore a democratic order.
“We are extending cooperation to this commission and to this government with the expectation that this process will lead to meaningful change.”
Even if no formal declaration is made by the Consensus Commission, Nazrul asserted that the BNP already holds a “charter of reform” in principle.
“At the root of everything lies the people — and everything must proceed with their consent,” he said.
“And we know well through whom the people express that consent.”
Among those representing the BNP in the dialogue were Standing Committee members Salahuddin Ahmed and Nazrul Islam Khan, Chairperson’s adviser Ismail Jobiullah, legal counsel Ruhul Quddus Kajol, and former secretary Niruzzaman Khan.
Sources within the Commission suggested that the discussions may continue throughout the day. Should they remain inconclusive, a follow-up meeting between the Commission and the BNP is likely to be held next week.
In his opening remarks, the Commission’s vice-chair, Professor Ali Riaz, stated, “Our goal is to draw up a national charter through which we can establish a permanent democratic system in Bangladesh.”
The commission has sought political parties’ views on 166 core recommendations across five key reform areas: the Constitution, public administration, electoral system, judiciary, and Anti-Corruption Commission. These were compiled in spreadsheet format and sent to 38 political parties, with feedback requested by 13 March.
The commission has since begun individual consultations with parties.
The eventual aim is to craft a national charter to serve as the framework for the next general election.
