More powers to president, no more than two consecutive terms for PM, BNP proposes to Consensus Commission

The BNP has proposed that no individual should serve more than two consecutive terms as prime minister and called for increasing the powers of the president to ensure a balance of power.

"Our proposal is 'no more than two consecutive terms'. Meaning, no one can serve more than two consecutive terms," the party's Standing Committee member Salahuddin Ahmed told reporters this evening.

The party presented the proposals at a meeting with the National Consensus Commission at the Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban today (20 April).

The BNP, however, suggested that a break after two terms could allow the same person to become PM once again.

BNP sincerely cooperating with Consensus Commission in reform efforts: Salahuddin

After the meeting, Salahuddin said the party's proposal suggests that if a leader completes two consecutive terms, they must step down for at least one term before being allowed to contest again.

"If the people decide, the same leader could return to power after a break. We want to keep the option open," he said.

Regarding the balance of power, BNP said it is in favour of increasing the powers of the president. 

To achieve this, the party proposed adding a new clause to the Constitution's Article 48 (3), which would need to be discussed in Parliament. 

According to the BNP, the president should be elected by members of both houses of the Parliament.

However, the party remains opposed to the idea of electing the president through an "Electoral College", a recommendation put forward by the commission.

Salahuddin also said the BNP does not agree with the Consensus Commission's proposal that the same person cannot be the head of government, party leader and parliamentary leader. 

"We have proposed to keep the option open. We do not see such a practice that the same person cannot be the head of government and party leader. We also see in the UK that the party leader is the head of government. This is a democratic practice.

"If a caretaker government system is introduced and fair, free and impartial elections can be introduced through the Election Commission, then those who come to power after election must be considered as having been given that power by the people," Salahuddin added. 

Regarding the Constitution, Salahuddin said, "There is no secularism or pluralism in it. However, the commission has proposed to add equality, human dignity and social justice which was contained in the Declaration of Independence. We have agreed with them." 

The BNP leader also said the party agrees with the notion that access to the internet is a fundamental right of the people. "However, the state has to ensure the fundamental rights of the people. In this regard, the economic condition of the state should also be considered. Therefore, we have said instead of adding more issues to the constitution, we should do what the state has the capacity to implement."

Also speaking at the press briefing, BNP Standing Committee Member Nazrul Islam Khan said, "We have come closer to an agreement close with the Consensus Commission on several issues. We have disagreed with them on some issues. It is normal to have differences of opinion in democracy."