Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) has voiced its disagreement with a proposal from the Consensus Commission that seeks to prevent one individual from concurrently holding the positions of head of government, head of a political party, and leader of the legislature.
Speaking during a luncheon break at a meeting with the Consensus Commission on Sunday (20 April) at the LD Hall of the National Parliament complex, BNP Standing Committee member Salahuddin Ahmed stated that his party does not agree with the proposal.
“We do not observe such a practice, not even in the United Kingdom, where the party chief typically becomes the head of government,” said Salahuddin. “This is a democratic norm. If the caretaker government system is reinstated and fair, free and neutral elections are ensured through the Election Commission, then whoever assumes power through that vote must be seen as legitimately chosen by the people.”
Salahuddin further noted that the BNP has proposed reverting the 15th constitutional amendment to its previous form, but pointed out that neither secularism nor pluralism were included in that earlier state. However, he welcomed the Commission’s recommendation to incorporate the principles enshrined in the Declaration of Independence—equality, human dignity, and social justice—saying the BNP fully agrees with that approach.
On the matter of digital rights, Salahuddin stated that the BNP supports recognising internet access as a fundamental right in the Constitution. “However,” he cautioned, “it is the responsibility of the state to ensure fundamental rights. When expanding such rights, one must also consider the economic capacity of the state. Hence, we suggested that only those rights which the state can realistically implement should be incorporated.”
Echoing similar sentiments, fellow Standing Committee member Nazrul Islam Khan observed that while the BNP has found common ground with the Commission on several reform issues, there remain notable points of divergence. “In a democracy, differing opinions are natural. We do not subscribe to a one-party ideology like BAKSAL, where unanimity is mandatory.”
He added that any outcome must ultimately serve the interest of the nation and its people, stressing the importance of rational and beneficial reform.
Notably, the second day of dialogue between the BNP and the Consensus Commission remains ongoing.
