Confusion and misrepresentation have arisen due to the National Consensus Commission’s use of simplified “yes/no” spreadsheets during talks with the Bangladesh Nationalist Party, according to BNP Standing Committee member Salahuddin Ahmed.
Speaking during a break in Thursday’s (17 April) dialogue at the Jatiya Sangsad, Salahuddin remarked that the spreadsheet-based format had distorted the party’s actual positions, creating ambiguity rather than clarity.
He stated that the BNP had submitted detailed proposals concerning constitutional reform, the judiciary, administration, and electoral processes.
“We have submitted hard copies today. Discussions are ongoing. We began with constitutional reform and will proceed to the judiciary and elections. We want to continue the dialogue—even if not concluded today, it will carry on. Our aim is to show just how serious BNP is about reform,” he said.
Although the Constitutional Reform Commission’s full report contains 131 recommendations, the spreadsheet issued by the National Consensus Commission reportedly addresses only 70 topics, raising concerns over selective presentation.
“We are engaging in a phased discussion—from the preamble of the Constitution to the principles of the Republic,” said Salahuddin.
“Eventually, we hope to reach a consensus on core constitutional amendments through meaningful dialogue.”
According to Salahuddin, the BNP has agreed fully with 25 proposals and partially with another 25, while expressing disagreement on the remaining items.
“We have provided thorough feedback on many areas, and we will engage with the commission logically and constructively. We also expect them to clarify their positions rationally. Whatever is reasonable and serves the national interest will certainly be considered,” he assured.
Salahuddin accused the commission of misrepresenting BNP’s views on judicial reform in their report. Of 150 points raised in the detailed report, BNP had offered opinions on 89, with many of the remaining issues broadly agreed upon or accompanied by conditional agreement.
He also noted stark discrepancies between the detailed report and the spreadsheet.
Citing Article 95 of the Constitution, Salahuddin asserted that issuing ordinances on judicial appointments without amending the relevant provision remains unconstitutional.
Similarly, establishing a Supreme Court Secretariat without amending Article 116 would remain constitutionally questionable.
“Any violation of the Constitution by the judiciary is unacceptable,” he emphasised.
Reaffirming the party’s commitment to an independent judiciary, he said: “We want a legal and constitutional process for reform. Accordingly, we have given detailed written opinions.”
On electoral reform, Salahuddin stressed that many of the BNP’s recommendations involve constitutional amendments.
“Some of the commission’s proposals, if implemented, would compromise the Election Commission’s independence,” he warned.
He confirmed that the talks with the commission had entered a second phase, noting that further discussions may be required.
“We are approaching this with a positive mindset,” he said.
