Jamaat for bicameral parliament, five-year tenure, two-term cap on PM
Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami has expressed its endorsement of several reform recommendations, including a bicameral parliament and the formation of the National Constitutional Council, as proposed by reform commissions.
During a meeting with the National Consensus Commission at the LD Hall of the National Parliament Complex today, Jamaat also recommended a maximum two-term cap on the prime minister, as disclosed by the party's Nayeb-e-Ameer, Syed Abdullah Md Taher to the media.
The party, however, did not mention about upper house of the proposed bicameral parliament system, as well as the structure and functions of the constitutional council.
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At the meeting, the Jamaat also voiced against the concept of "pluralism" proposed by the Constitutional Reform Commission.
Taher added that they have agreed with the Consensus Commission's proposal regarding Article 70, with some amendments. "A member of parliament can take a role contrary to the party's opinion and stance on any matters except for three issues– amending the constitution, approving the money bill or budget, and voting on confidence."
He added that they also recommended against inclusion of the President and the chief justice in the process aimed at forming the constitutional council.
"Today, the discussion was mainly regarding the constitution. There will be a discussion later on how to amend the constitution," added the Nayeb-e-Ameer.
The party also opposed the four-year parliamentary term and the president's tenure.
Commenting on the issue regarding women's seats in the parliament, Taher said they have discussed the matter to some extent, but did not give any final insights.
"The Jamaat-e-Islami is committed to safeguarding the interests of the public, prioritising them over any personal or party agendas," he said further.
The meeting was presided over by Consensus Commission's Vice Chairman Prof Ali Riaz, while the 10-member Jamaat delegation included Secretary General Mia Golam Parwar and Assistant Secretary General Maulana Rafiqul Islam Khan.
