BNP to announce final decisions soon on 4 key issues pending with Consensus Commission

The BNP is set to announce its final decisions on four key unresolved issues under discussion with the National Consensus Commission within a day or two, according to party sources.

These issues include the election method for the upper house of parliament, the election method for reserved women's seats, the presidential election process, and the balance of power between the president and the prime minister.

The BNP Standing Committee discussed these matters in a meeting held tonight (17 July). As the discussions were inconclusive, another meeting was held to continue talks. Sources say the BNP is aiming for a compromise and may make some concessions.

One of the BNP's 31-point reform proposals is to introduce an upper house in parliament composed of distinguished individuals with expertise in various fields. While all parties in the National Consensus Commission dialogue support a bicameral system, there is disagreement over how to elect the upper house.

The BNP wants seats in the upper house allocated proportionally based on each party's share of seats in the lower house. However, more than 20 other parties, including Jamaat-e-Islami and National Citizen Party (NCP), support a proportional representation system based on vote percentage. 

A final decision may be reached at the commission's meeting next week. According to sources, the BNP will stick to its proposal but may offer concessions while avoiding open disputes.

The meeting also discussed internal divisions among political parties. Leaders warned that continued disputes could increase tensions and open the door to third-party interference. They called for unity to counter such threats.

The meeting condemned the recent attack on the NCP rally in Gopalganj, allegedly carried out by the Awami League, which left four people dead. Participants blamed supporters of the "fallen fascist Hasina" for trying to sabotage the democratic process and criticised the government for failing to control the situation. They stressed that political programmes must be carefully planned to prevent opportunities for anti-democratic forces.

However, BNP sources said the party is frustrated with several activities of the NCP. Some within the BNP even see elements of Jamaat within the NCP. Despite this, as a party born from a mass uprising, the BNP hopes the NCP will pursue responsible and constructive politics.

After the Gopalganj incident, the BNP expects the NCP to reflect on its actions and adopt a more positive path. The BNP will continue to observe the NCP's ongoing nationwide march and other activities before deciding its future stance.

Speaking at a Jubo Dal rally in Nayapaltan today, BNP Standing Committee member Salahuddin Ahmed said, "We didn't expect the fallen fascist forces to attack supporters of a mass uprising. But why did it happen? The reason is that some new, unregistered parties are acting emotionally and launching political programmes without proper planning. 

"These poorly planned moves have given fascist forces a chance to strike. That's why we always advise gaining more political experience — and we still do. We wish you a bright future and believe you will play a strong role in the country's democracy."

At the Standing Committee meeting, BNP leaders also accused a group of deliberately trying to destabilise law and order to disrupt the upcoming national election and democratic transition. They pointed to the rise in mob violence, killings, muggings, robberies, and extortion, blaming government negligence, and urged swift action to restore public safety.

The leaders strongly condemned recent remarks made by some political parties linking the BNP to the murder of businessman Sohag in front of Mitford Hospital. They also criticised offensive comments made about martyred party President Ziaur Rahman, BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia, and Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman, calling such remarks damaging to the political environment.

The BNP called on all political parties to show mutual respect and refrain from inappropriate behaviour.

The meeting, chaired virtually by Tarique Rahman from London, lasted from 8:40pm to 11:20pm on Wednesday.