NN Online:
Bangladesh’s political parties have reached a historic consensus to amend the Constitution, paving the way for a formal selection committee to nominate the Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) and other members of the Election Commission (EC).
The agreement was finalized on Wednesday during the 18th day of the ongoing second-round dialogue between the National Consensus Commission (NCC) and political parties, held at the Foreign Service Academy in Dhaka.
Briefing reporters after the session, NCC Vice Chair Professor Ali Riaz said, “Political parties and alliances have agreed to introduce a constitutional provision to form a structured selection committee for the EC’s reconstitution, to be headed by the Speaker of the Jatiya Sangsad.”
According to the proposal, Article 118 of the Constitution will be amended to reflect the new framework. The selection committee will comprise five members: the Speaker (chair), the Prime Minister, the Leader of the Opposition, the Deputy Speaker (from the opposition), and an Appellate Division judge nominated by the Chief Justice.
The committee will begin its search for candidates 90 days before the current EC’s term expires. A new law will define the qualifications, disqualifications, and selection procedure for the CEC and commissioners. The committee will then recommend one name each for the CEC and commissioner posts to the President, who will make the final appointments for a five-year term. The Speaker’s office will provide administrative support to the committee.
Wednesday’s discussions also covered the appointment procedures for other key institutions, including the Public Service Commission (PSC), the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG), the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC), and the Office of the Ombudsman.
“Today, we have concluded the discussion on the Election Commission,” said Prof Riaz. “We are encouraged by the willingness of various political parties to compromise from their original positions. This agreement is a major step toward building an independent and credible Election Commission.”
He described the day’s session as “highly productive” and expressed hope that a final National Charter based on broad political consensus could be completed by the end of July.
“We remain committed and optimistic about delivering a comprehensive reform charter for the nation,” Prof Riaz added.
