by Staff CorrespondentDhaka – Opposition Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) suggested reintroduction of caretaker system for overseeing elections as the party on Tuesday submitted proposals for constitutional reforms, an initiative taken by the interim administration headed by Muhammad Yunus.
The party, with an experience of running the country for long period in the past, also suggested introduction of a bicameral parliament, balancing the power of the Prime Minister and the President, and creating the positions of Vice President and Deputy Prime Minister.
Salahuddin Ahmed, one of the standing committee members of the BNP, submitted a set of written proposals to, seeking amendments across 62 sections of the constitution, ranging from the preamble to its schedule.
The BNP has included new proposals in the main portion of the preamble, Ahmed told reporters after submitting the proposal to the Constitutional Reform Commission at the parliament building.
These proposals aim to reflect the aspirations of the people of Bangladesh and the sacrifices made during the July-August revolution, ensuring that parliamentary autocracy does not emerge in the future.
He said that the BNP’s proposals include limiting any individual to serving as Prime Minister for no more than two consecutive terms.
The proposals include creating an upper house of parliament, ensuring subordinate courts are under the control of the Supreme Court, and reinstating the provision for referendums.
The proposed amendments address all key aspects of the constitution, including the republic, the executive, judiciary, legislative branches, the Election Commission, and schedules, he said.
Ahmed emphasized that the goal of the proposals is to establish a democratic system within the constitution and ensure a balance of power across all branches of the state.
When asked about rewriting the constitution, Ahmed clarified that the BNP has proposed comprehensive amendments to make the constitution more democratic and aligned with the people’s aspirations.
To another question about how constitutional amendments could proceed in the absence of a Parliament, Ahmed said, “The Constitutional Reform Commission will present their recommendations to the interim government.”
The Chief Adviser has stated that these proposals will be finalized following consultations with all political parties, social organizations, experts, and representatives of society, he said adding that in this process, consensus will likely be achieved on most issues, though disagreements may arise on some.
“For issues with broad agreement, the parties can commit to reflecting them in their electoral manifestos. Thus, whichever party assumes power after the next election will amend the constitution accordingly,” he added.
The interim administration headed by Muhammad Yunus initiated reforms to the constitution as part of his broad-base state reforms as he assumed office in August following the ouster of former prime minister Sheikh Hasina in the face of a violent uprising. Hasina’s Awami League party was not invited in the process of reforms agenda as the government call Hasina and her party “fascist”.
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