Parties agree on raising women’s seats, Article 70 amendment: BNP

Political parties have reached a consensus on increasing the number of reserved women's seats in parliament from 50 to 100 and amending Article 70 of the Constitution, BNP Standing Committee Member Salahuddin Ahmed said after a meeting between the National Consensus Commission and political parties today (17 June).

While the representatives of 29 political parties were present in the meeting, no leaders from Jamaat attended the first day of the discussions that would continue for three consecutive days.

Meanwhile, National Citizen Party (NCP) and the Gono Odhikar Parishad accused the National Consensus Commission of favouring "a certain political party" through a series of decisions.

The meeting was a part of the second phase of the Consensus Commission talks that resumed at the Foreign Service Academy in Dhaka today.

Key agenda of the talks include Article 70 of the Constitution, women's representation in parliament, nomination of standing committee chairpersons, the proposal for a bicameral legislature, and the appointment process of the chief justice.

"Everyone is in agreement regarding 100 women's seats. Discussion on the election method is ongoing," Salahuddin Ahmed told a press briefing, held right before the lunch break during the talks.

Currently, there are 50 reserved seats for women in parliament, filled through indirect election.

Earlier in April, the Women's Affairs Reform Commission proposed increasing the number of reserved seats for women in parliament to 300, with all seats to be filled through direct elections.

Regarding Article 70, Salahuddin said, "Members of Parliament will be able to vote against the party except for confidence votes and money bills."

Article 70 of the Constitution currently prohibits MPs from voting against their party, with violations leading to the loss of their parliamentary membership.

Salahuddin further said, "In parliament, the chairpersons of four standing committees – Public Accounts, Privileges, Estimates, and Undertakings – will be from the opposition party.

Additionally, chairpersons of other standing committees of public importance will be appointed from the opposition party based on the proportion of seats. There is a final consensus on this matter."

Islami Andolon Senior Joint Secretary General Gazi Ataur Rahman echoed the BNP leader's statement on the two issues.

'Consensus Commission biased'

Speaking on the second round of discussions held by the commission, Ariful Islam Adib, joint convener of the NCP, alleged that the commission has leaned towards the proposals made by a certain party on the issue of reform.

"The commission is behaving in a biased manner to benefit a particular party," he said.

While mechanisms such as ordinances or referendums had previously been discussed regarding reforms, the commission is now placing more emphasis on electoral and post-election reforms, Adib said, expressing concern over the shift in approach, implying it was orchestrated to serve specific political interests.

"Several parties have been invited to the discussions despite lacking any organisational structure or official registration. These parties have appeared only to lend support to the stance of a particular political group. Whatever that party suggests, these others simply endorse it. On the other hand, anyone voicing disagreement is being shouted down," Adib said.

Referring to last year's mass uprising in July, Adib emphasised that it was not a success achieved by political parties but by the general public. 

"The July Charter cannot be dependent solely on political parties' decisions. It must reflect the views of professional organisations and the general populace," he added.

Echoing similar sentiments, Gono Odhikar Parishad President Nurul Haque Nur stressed the need for a referendum in the reform process. "Back in the 1990s, many agreed on various reforms. But nothing significant was achieved. If real reform is desired, there is no alternative to a referendum," Nur said.

When asked why Gono Parishad, which had previously focused on elections, is now prioritising reform, Nur explained, "Since 5 August, there has been no significant shift in the balance of power. From what I've observed in my own constituency, the environment is still not conducive to holding fair elections. That is why we are demanding reforms through a referendum."

Like the NCP, the Gono Parishad also emphasised that the July Charter must be inclusive and not solely driven by political parties, but reflect participation from all sectors of society.

Jamaat skips dialogue

While Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami attended all previous meetings of the Consensus Commission, there was no representative from the party in today's meeting. 

Asked why the party skipped the meeting, chief adviser's press secretary Shafiqul Alam avoided a direct answer saying, "We are hoping Jamaat-e-Islami will attend tomorrow (Wednesday)."

Media reports suggest the party skipped today's meeting over being "ignored" in the announcement of the potential election date, which came after a meeting between the chief adviser and BNP's acting chairman in London.

'July Charter to be finalised by month-end'

Vice-chair of the National Consensus Commission Ali Riaz said efforts are underway to finalise the July Charter by the end of this month following discussions with political parties.

"Not all political parties may agree on every issue, but everyone must continue the dialogue with a willingness to compromise," he said while speaking at the opening of the talks.

Riaz also noted that the commission is open to continuing talks even on weekends, should the political parties agree.

Regarding the appointment of the chief justice, Saiful Haque, general secretary of the Biplobi Workers Party, said, "We have proposed that the president appoint the chief justice from among the two most senior judges of the Appellate Division, based on whom he deems qualified."

He further said, "We hope that by July, we will be able to sign the July Charter."

Among the parties participating in today's discussion, the AB Party and Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam Bangladesh expressed objections to the idea of a bicameral parliament.

Both parties stated that while the idea of a bicameral parliament may be good, Bangladesh is not yet ready for its implementation.

The National Consensus Commission has initiated this multi-phase dialogue to build a broad political agreement on key governance and constitutional issues.

Earlier, on 3 June, the commission held its first session, which was attended by representatives of 33 political parties.