All parties agree to reform presidential election process: Ali Riaz

All major political parties in Bangladesh have reached a consensus on amending the constitution to change the current process of electing the President, announced Professor Ali Riaz, Vice-Chairman of the National Consensus Commission.

However, the specific mechanism for the new system is yet to be finalised.

Speaking at a press briefing following the second phase of the commission’s dialogue held at the Foreign Service Academy in Dhaka on Thursday (June 19), Riaz confirmed that there is unanimous agreement among political parties on the need to reform Article 48(1) of the Constitution, which currently mandates that the President be elected by members of parliament.

"While all parties agree that the current method must be changed, the structure of the new election process is still under discussion. Much of it hinges on whether the country will adopt a bicameral legislature," said Riaz. He noted that the composition of an electoral college — whether it would include 500 members or representatives from local government bodies like district councils and city corporations — depends on the future structure of parliament.

Regarding term limits for the Prime Minister, Riaz said the issue was also discussed, though no decision was reached. "Some parties support a two-term limit, while others suggest allowing re-election after a gap. This matter remains open for further deliberation."

Riaz added that unresolved issues will be revisited in the next round of talks scheduled for Sunday, June 22, at 10:30am, giving participating parties time to consult with their respective policy-making bodies.

When asked about the possibility of disagreement, Riaz emphasized transparency: "Any issue that fails to reach consensus will be clearly stated. While complete agreement may not be possible on all matters, there is goodwill and shared understanding on the core issues."

The latest round of dialogue was attended by representatives from 30 political parties, including BNP, Jamaat-e-Islami, Jatiya Nagorik Party (NCP), Gono Odhikar Parishad, Ganosanhati Andolan,  Communist Party of Bangladesh (CPB), Biplobi Workers Party, and Amar Bangladesh (AB) Party.

Commission members Justice Emdadul Haque, Dr Badiul Alam Majumder, Safar Raj Hossain, Dr Iftekharuzzaman, Dr Ayub Mia, and Special Assistant to the Chief Adviser Monir Haider were also present there.