BNP questions transparency of Consensus Commission's proposals, feedback process

Highlights: 

• Fakhrul criticises 'yes/no' format in the reform opinion sheet
• He says reforms and elections can proceed simultaneously
• He objects to the proposal of appointing unelected individuals to state roles
• BNP likely to submit opinions on reforms by tomorrow

Questioning the transparency of the National Consensus Commission's action plan, the BNP has criticised the commission's failure to include key reform proposals from individual commissions and its use of "yes/no" questions in the feedback form to gather political parties' opinions.

At a press briefing at the BNP chairperson's Gulshan office today, BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir said, "The spreadsheet's structure, along with similarities between remarks from Consensus Commission members and certain political parties, raises concerns that the entire process may be part of a predetermined agenda — one whose alignment with democracy remains unclear."

He also said that a review of the commission's 166 recommendations suggests an "unreasonable attempt" to assign state responsibilities to unelected individuals in the future.

Earlier this month, the National Consensus Commission sought feedback from 34 political parties on key recommendations from five reform commissions, proposing 166 recommendations, including 70 on constitutional reforms, 27 on the electoral system, 23 on the judiciary, 26 on public administration, and 20 on the Anti-Corruption Commission.

We witnessed consequences of one-party rule, what about a unilateral reform now?

Fakhrul said, "Key proposals from the Constitution Reform Commissions, included in the Consensus Commission's recommendations, are missing from the spreadsheet. While the spreadsheet lists about 70 proposals, the original report contains around 123."

Similarly, the Election Reform Commission's report has about 150 recommendations, but the spreadsheet includes only 27, he said, the Consensus Commission mostly included constitutional reform proposals. 

Talking about the issue with the spreadsheet questions, the BNP leader said, "Instead of presenting proposals for discussion, the spreadsheet [feedback form] asks respondents to choose 'yes' or 'no.' For example, one question asks if proposals should be implemented through a Constituent Assembly, but the first step should be determining if there is consensus on forming a Constituent Assembly in the first place."

Similarly, questions ask whether proposals should be implemented through a referendum or Constituent Assembly and legislature, again requiring only a "yes" or "no" response, he said.

Election and reforms can proceed side by side

Mirza Fakhrul said there is no need for debates on whether reforms should precede elections or vice versa, as both can occur simultaneously. Political parties can reach a consensus to create a reform charter, which an elected government can implement. 

The interim government's primary role is to swiftly enact necessary reforms to ensure a free and fair election, after which power should be transferred to the elected government to complete the reforms, he said, adding that only an elected government, accountable to the people, can effectively implement reforms. 

However, concerns have arisen over some interim government advisers being involved in political party formation while in power, with signs of administrative machinery being misused, which harms both the country and democracy, said the BNP leaders.

New commissions proposed could undermine govt power

BNP secretary general said the Consensus Commission's recommendations propose establishing various new commissions, including a National Constitutional Commission (NCC). 

The descriptions of these proposed commissions' jurisdictions and functions suggest an intent to weaken both the legislative and executive branches of government, ultimately leading to a fragile and nearly ineffective system of governance, he said.

In a democratic state, people's sovereignty is reflected through an elected parliament. However, the reform recommendations suggest sidelining politicians and enabling unelected individuals to govern, Fakhrul added.

Members of the BNP National Standing Committee were present at the briefing.

In response to a question, Mirza Fakhrul mentioned that BNP would likely submit its opinions on the matter tomorrow.