BNP stands against allowing more than two consecutive terms for the Prime Minister

BNP Standing Committee member Salahuddin Ahmed stated on Tuesday that the party opposes any individual serving as prime minister for more than two consecutive terms. However, he clarified that following a break, the individual could be eligible to serve again.

Salahuddin also highlighted BNP’s support for establishing a balance of power between the offices of the president and the prime minister. These comments were made during a media briefing at the third round of BNP’s dialogue with the National Consensus Commission, held at the LD Hall of the National Parliament. The meeting began at 11:15 a.m. and is scheduled to continue until 5:00 p.m.

Regarding the Commission’s proposal to limit the Prime Minister’s authority within the Cabinet, BNP disagreed, asserting that such powers should remain intact. However, the party advocated for expanding the President’s powers to allow independent decision-making in certain matters. Salahuddin emphasized that BNP’s stance remains that power should be equitably distributed between the two offices.

Additionally, BNP opposed the Commission’s suggestion to reduce the Prime Minister’s term from five years to four, reaffirming its support for a five-year tenure. The party also endorsed maintaining the current structure where the same individual serves as both the Prime Minister and the Leader of the House.

On parliamentary reforms, Salahuddin stated that BNP supports a bicameral legislature, with 100 of the 400 members of the lower house being directly elected women. The party also proposed appointing two Deputy Speakers from the opposition and giving the opposition priority in chairing parliamentary standing committees. Furthermore, BNP reiterated its demand for local government elections to be held without party symbols.

Regarding the protection of religious freedoms, Salahuddin noted that the Commission proposed removing secularism, advocating instead for the protection of the religious and cultural freedoms of all groups—a stance BNP fully supported. The dialogue also addressed the Supreme Judicial Appointment process, with Salahuddin highlighting BNP’s proposal for a panel that includes at least three senior judges to select the Chief Justice, as opposed to the Commission’s suggestion of choosing the senior-most judge from the Appellate Division.

Salahuddin concluded by emphasizing that all reforms should be grounded in law and fairness. He expressed agreement with the Commission on various issues, including equitable access to internet services and consumer rights protection, noting that only a few matters remained contentious.

The BNP delegation included Salahuddin Ahmed, Ismail Zabihullah, former Establishment Secretary Abu Mohammad Moniruzzaman, and former General Secretary of the Supreme Court Bar Association Barrister Ruhul Quddus Kajol. The National Consensus Commission was represented by Vice President Professor Ali Riaz, members Dr. Badiul Alam Majumdar, and others. This was the third meeting between BNP and the Commission, following earlier rounds on Thursday and Sunday.