Staff Reporter :
The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) has voiced its support for a reform proposal limiting any individual to serving two consecutive terms as prime minister. However, the party insists that the same person should be eligible to return to the position after a break.
BNP leader Salahuddin Ahmed clarified the party’s stance while speaking to reporters during a break in the ongoing dialogue with the National Consensus Commission, held at the LD Hall of the Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban.
“BNP supports the proposal that a person cannot serve more than two consecutive terms as prime minister.
However, we believe that the same individual should be eligible again after taking a break,” Salahuddin said. “There is no justification for permanently barring someone from serving the country.”
Although the matter has not yet been formally discussed at the dialogue sessions, Salahuddin emphasised that the BNP’s position remains “clear and consistent.”
A five-member BNP delegation is participating in the second day of talks with the Commission. Alongside Salahuddin, the team includes BNP Standing Committee member Nazrul Islam Khan, Chairperson’s Advisory Council member Ismail Zabiullah, barrister Ruhul Quddus Kajal, and retired bureaucrat Moniruzzaman Khan.
On the issue of the balance of power, the BNP has advocated for strengthening the role of the president. To this end, the party proposed introducing a new clause under Article 48(3) of the Constitution, which would be subject to parliamentary debate.
According to the BNP, the president should be elected by members of both houses of Parliament.
However, the party rejected the Commission’s proposal of forming an Electoral College to elect the president.
Salahuddin also commented on another commission recommendation-that the same person should not simultaneously hold the positions of head of government, party leader, and parliamentary leader. He stated, “We propose keeping this option open.
There is no established democratic precedent barring one person from holding these roles simultaneously. For example, in the UK, the party leader also serves as the head of government. This is democratic practice.”
He further added, “If a caretaker government is introduced and fair, free, and impartial elections can be ensured by the Election Commission, then the authority of any elected government must be accepted as derived from the will of the people.”
On constitutional matters, Salahuddin said: “There is no secularism or pluralism in the current Constitution. However, the Commission has recommended including the principles of equality, human dignity, and social justice – values enshrined in the Declaration of Independence. We support this proposal.”
He also stated that the BNP agrees with the view that access to the internet is a fundamental right. “Nonetheless, the state must ensure that all fundamental rights are upheld, and this must be considered in light of the country’s economic capabilities. Therefore, we suggested prioritising enforceable rights instead of expanding the Constitution with provisions that may not be feasible to implement,” Salahuddin concluded.
