Even though the BNP has agreed to the reform proposal for reinstating the caretaker government system to oversee the upcoming national election, the party insists on maintaining the previous 90-day tenure instead of the 120-day period proposed by the Electoral System Reform Commission.
"The caretaker government system is an exceptional measure in the context of Bangladesh's realities. It is a constitutional provision designed to enable the state to be run by elected representatives of the public. So, in this regard, it is preferable to have a caretaker government for a 90-day period, as was the case in the past," the party said in response to the reform recommendation made by the Electoral System Reform Commission.
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In its recent submission to the National Consensus Commission, the BNP also said the main responsibility of the caretaker government is to ensure the conduct of a fair and credible national election. "So, its role should be limited to arranging the national parliamentary elections, and no other elections should be held during its 90-day tenure.
The Electoral System Reform Commission recommended a four-month caretaker government system to oversee the national election as well as all local government elections within its tenure.
The National Consensus Commission, led by Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus, began its work on February 15, 2025, with the aim of building consensus on the state reform recommendations put forward by the five reform commissions.
The commission identified key recommendations from the reports of the five reform commissions—the Constitution Reform Commission, the Public Administration Reform Commission, the Electoral System Reform Commission, the Judiciary Reform Commission, and the ACC Reform Commission—to solicit opinions from political parties.
Subsequently, the Consensus Commission sent a spreadsheet containing 166 recommendations to 38 political parties, requesting their specific opinions on the most important reform proposals.
On March 23, the BNP submitted its opinions to the National Consensus Commission regarding key recommendations from the five reform commissions.
Rather than providing a simple 'Yes' or 'No' response, the party presented its views in a separate column for each recommendation.
Regarding the 27 reform recommendations related to the electoral system, the BNP partially agreed with 8 to 9 of them. For many of the remaining recommendations, the party either disagreed or stated that they are constitutionally significant and should be decided by an elected parliament.
The Electoral Reform Commission, in its recommendations, proposed that the caretaker government should be granted the authority to reform necessary laws and rules, as well as to reshuffle the administration beyond its routine functions, in order to ensure fair, impartial and credible elections.
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The BNP strongly opposed this recommendation, arguing that it pertains to constitutional matters. "Administrative reshuffling is a routine duty of the caretaker government. There is no scope for this government to undertake any other responsibilities beyond its routine functions during the election period.”
The Electoral Reform Commission also suggested the establishment of a permanent National Constitutional Council to finalise the appointment of the head of the caretaker government. Following this, the head of the caretaker government would appoint an additional 20 advisers.
Regarding the recommendation, the BNP said the issue also pertains to constitutional reform.
Since it involves a fundamental change, the party argued that an elected national parliament, which has the power to amend the Constitution with a two-thirds majority vote, should make the appropriate decision on this matter.
On the matter of holding local government elections before the national election during the polls-time government, the BNP said the primary responsibility of the caretaker or interim government is to conduct the national election, not the local government elections.
“Whenever the National Parliament is dissolved, it is essential to hold parliamentary elections within 90 days. So, there is no scope for holding local government elections before the National Parliament elections under the caretaker government, the party said.
The BNP also opposed the proposal to establish a permanent independent authority for the delimitation of constituencies, stating that constituency delimitation is a key constitutional responsibility of the Election Commission. “So, creating a separate authority for this task would lead to dual authorities and administrative complexities, which is undesirable.”
About the commission’s proposal to establish a permanent National Constitutional Council (NCC) for appointments to all constitutional bodies, including the Election Commission, the BNP rejected it, arguing that the formation of such a council appears to contradict the constitution.
The commission proposed that if Election Commissioners fail to perform their duties or violate their oath, a parliamentary committee would investigate and recommend actions to the President. In response, the BNP argued that the Election Commission is an independent constitutional body and should not be accountable to a parliamentary committee, cautioning against any actions that could undermine its independence.
The Commission has proposed to include registered political parties in the Right to Information Act 2009 and BNP agreed in principle with this proposal.
The BNP also opposed the proposal to amend the International Crimes Tribunal and the RPO to prevent those accused of crimes against humanity from participating in parliamentary elections, saying the qualifications and disqualifications of candidates for national parliamentary elections are already outlined in the constitution and the RPO.
The party also noted that any attempt to disqualify those accused of atrocities, including the killing of countless students, women, and children, would require necessary constitutional amendments.
About the recommendation to limit a prime minister's tenure to a maximum of two terms, the BNP highlighted that its 31-point reform proposal included a commitment to amend the Constitution to impose a maximum of two consecutive terms.
On the suggestion to disqualify a two-time elected prime minister from becoming president, the party stated that this is a matter of constitutional reform.
The reform commission also proposed that the same person should not hold the positions of party chief, prime minister, and Leader of the House simultaneously. But, the BNP disagreed, arguing that the leader of the majority party in Parliament naturally assumes the roles of both the Leader of the House and the prime minister.
"It is essential for accountability in parliamentary politics. Besides, this decision is within the discretion of the party concerned," the BNP opined.
About the recommendation to establish a 100-seat upper house in the parliament, the party said the issue was incorporated in its 31-point agenda.
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“We agree with the establishment of an upper house. But it is essential to determine the procedure, system, the number of seats, its jurisdiction and different issues by an elected parliament,” the party said.
The party also agreed with the suggestion to pick the deputy speaker from the opposition party, but said this system should be taken by an elected parliament.
About the recommendation to form the lower house with 400 representatives elected through direct votes, BNP said the issue can be considered by an elected parliament after proper assessment.