Abu Jakir :
The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) has made clear it will not compromise on the July Charter’s disputed proposal concerning the role of the Prime Minister and party chief, with senior leader Salahuddin Ahmed insisting that democratic choice must remain intact.
In a wide-ranging interview with The New Nation at BNP’s Gulshan headquarters, the standing committee member and party spokesperson defended his party’s position as activists gathered at the office, reviving a political space once muted by years of repression.
At the heart of the dispute is a proposal that would bar a Prime Minister from simultaneously serving as both Leader of the House and party chief. While consensus has emerged that the Prime Minister may also hold the first role, the second remains contested.
“From BNP’s perspective, barring a Prime Minister simply because he or she is also party leader is undemocratic,” Salahuddin said. “In established democracies such as the United Kingdom and the United States, it is common for the party leader to become head of government. The option must be preserved.”
Salahuddin rejected concerns that the disagreement could delay the February election. “At this stage, there is no need for such a law, nor any constitutional obligation to create one. Since no consensus exists, the matter will ultimately rest with the voters. If those who support the restriction win the mandate, they will pursue their course. If we win, we will pursue ours.”
Pressed on who BNP might put forward as Prime Minister, he was cautious but pointed towards party chairperson Khaleda Zia. “That decision rests with the parliamentary party that secures a majority. Yet the natural choice is our leader, Begum Khaleda Zia.”
The BNP spokesperson dismissed fears that disputes among political forces, particularly the National Consensus Party (NCP) and Jamaat-e-Islami, could undermine the polls. “No democratic party can oppose the people’s right to vote. Should any group attempt sabotage, the people themselves will resist.”
He also expressed confidence in the interim administration under Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus. “The election will be held in February. The schedule has already been announced. The question of his resignation does not arise.”
Recent surveys placing BNP support at just 12 per cent were brushed aside. “Why assume any single survey is the absolute truth?” Salahuddin said. “Our own findings suggest around 45 per cent of people have confidence in BNP. Until the ballots are cast, no poll can speak with certainty.”
On criticism that BNP has sidelined younger voices, he argued the party had long carried the struggle against the ruling Awami League. “For the last 16-17 years, it is BNP alone that has stood against authoritarianism. The recent student movement is not separate from that struggle but a continuation of it.”
He confirmed that acting chairperson Tarique Rahman is expected to return soon, though no date has yet been fixed.
Salahuddin acknowledged that some BNP activists had been implicated in violence but argued that many cases were wrongly attributed. “The government must be more rigorous in maintaining law and order. Elements within the police and bureaucracy, remnants of the old authoritarian system, have not yet acted with full sincerity.”
Looking ahead, he stressed that the people’s mandate must be upheld. “We hope the upcoming election will be credible before the world – free, fair, impartial, and acceptable. Whatever number of seats each party wins must be respected as the sovereign will of the people.”
For Salahuddin, the principle at stake is non-negotiable. “We will not compromise on democratic rights. The people of Bangladesh deserve the freedom to decide who leads them – and we will defend that principle to the end.”
