Most parties back limiting PM’s consecutive terms: Jamaat nayeb-e-ameer
He, however, acknowledged that some parties have expressed their opposing views on this specific proposal
Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami and most of the parties have reached a consensus on limiting the tenure of prime minister to two consecutive terms, Jamaat's Nayeb-e-Ameer Syed Abdullah Muhammad Taher said today (19 June).
Speaking to reporters after the third day meeting of consensus commission's second round of talks, the Jamaat leader, however, acknowledged that some parties have expressed their opposing views on this specific proposal.
Meanwhile, frustration mounts over the lack of concrete outcomes from the ongoing dialogues.
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AB Party's Manju slams lack of outcome from talks
Mujibur Rahman Manju, convener of Amar Bangladesh Party, voiced a broader sentiment of disappointment.
"The discussions are going well, the food and drink are going well but the expected results are not being obtained," Manju lamented.
He added, "There have been discussions on the National Constitution Council (NCC), presidential elections, and the term of the prime minister but no consensus has been reached."
"The people are looking at us. We are not happy. The state is spending so much money but there is no result," he said.
Mentioning that larger parties have more responsibility, he said if they do not want this process to change, there will be no change.
Nur calls for proportional representation in bicameral legislature
Meanwhile, Gono Odhikar Parishad President Nurul Haque Nur offered a different point of discussion, advocating for proportional representation in at least one chamber if a bicameral legislature is established.
Hasnat Abdullah calls for democratic reforms
National Citizen Party (NCP) Chief Organiser (South) Hasnat Abdullah stated that the discussion around creating an upper house of parliament emerged from talks on forming an electoral college.
"During these discussions, there was a general agreement on reserving 100 seats for the proposed upper house. The tenure of the prime minister was also discussed, where most parties supported limiting it to a maximum of two consecutive terms."
Addressing parties that are rigid in holding onto their written positions, he said, "Some parties believe they will come to power and can then manipulate the system to their advantage — a system that excludes the people. We want to make it clear that such power structures will not last."
