Separation of PM, party leadership favoured
Staff Reporter :
Professor Ali Riaz, Vice Chairman of the National Consensus Commission, announced on Tuesday that nearly three-quarters of the political parties and alliances participating in the ongoing national dialogue support the proposal that the Prime Minister should not simultaneously serve as the head of a political party.
Speaking to reporters following the 17th day of the second phase of talks held at the Foreign Service Academy, Professor Riaz stated that while a majority favoured this separation of roles, a number of parties expressed dissenting views.
These groups will be allowed to formally record their opposition through a “Note of Dissent” in the forthcoming National Charter.
He clarified that while most parties agree the Prime Minister can also serve as Leader of the House, they oppose the concentration of power in one individual holding both executive and party leadership. There is also growing support for introducing constitutional safeguards to prevent this dual role.
On the contentious issue of the caretaker government system, Professor Riaz reported that discussions have advanced but full consensus remains elusive.
A consolidated proposal, based on submissions from various parties, was presented earlier this week. The majority support the need for a neutral caretaker system during national elections, with a Chief Adviser to be appointed by elected representatives.
The BNP has submitted an amendment to this proposal, objecting particularly to the recommended “ranked-choice” voting system for appointing the Chief Adviser.
Professor Riaz commented, “We believe this system would avoid political deadlock, but BNP and several parties, including Jamaat, have raised objections.”
The BNP’s alternative suggests reinstating the caretaker model outlined in the now-repealed 13th Amendment, with a modification: instead of giving the President final authority, the Chief Adviser would be selected from among retired Chief Justices.
However, Riaz noted that involving the judiciary in this process remains a point of contention among many parties, thereby hindering broader agreement.
In the latter part of the day’s discussions, attention turned to the appointment process for constitutional and statutory bodies, particularly the Election Commission.
The commission has proposed forming a five-member selection committee comprising three elected representatives, one Appellate Division judge nominated by the Chief Justice, and one representative of the President.
While the proposal received some positive responses, no final consensus has been reached. Further deliberations on this issue are scheduled for tomorrow.
The commission also suggested enshrining clear appointment procedures for the Public Service Commission, the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC), the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG), and the Ombudsman within the Constitution. A proposal to grant the ACC constitutional status was also raised.
At the conclusion of the briefing, Professor Riaz expressed deep sorrow over the recent aircraft crash in Uttara, which claimed multiple lives. He called on the government to provide appropriate compensation to the victims’ families and ensure proper medical treatment for those injured.
“This is a tragic and irreparable loss,” he said, urging a comprehensive investigation and effective measures to prevent such incidents in the future.
He also appealed to the public to stand in solidarity with the affected families, adding: “We must all share in this national grief and support those who are suffering.”