BNP to submit reform proposals to Consensus Commission Sunday: Fakhrul

Noting that the government’s reform proposals are similar to the statements of particular political parties, BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir said that BNP's reform proposals will be submitted to the Consensus Commission on Sunday (March 23).

“BNP will mention ‘yes’ or ‘no’ wherever applicable. And where applicable, it will mention its own statement. BNP is providing all kinds of support to the government,” he said at a press conference held at the BNP Chairperson's Gulshan political office on Saturday (March 22) morning.

At the briefing, BNP leader Salahuddin Ahmed said the recommendations of the Reform Commission have proposed various new commissions, including the National Constitutional Commission (NCC). The description of the jurisdiction and activities of all these commissions gives enough reason to believe that the aim is to devalue and disempower the legislative and executive branches as much as possible, resulting in a weak and almost ineffective government system.

Stating that the democratic character of the state and the ownership of the people are reflected through the elected parliament and people's representatives, Salahuddin said, “But reviewing the recommendations of the Constitution and Electoral Reform Commission, it appears that politicians are undesirable and it is better to create opportunities for unelected people to run the country. It is desirable that various reforms and constitutional amendments be made giving importance to the democratic tradition, culture and religious sentiments of the people.”

In reply to a query, Mirza Fakhrul said, “The fact that some advisers of the interim government are directly/indirectly involved in the process of forming a new political party while in power has created doubts in the public mind. Various signs and evidence of using the administrative machinery in this process are gradually emerging, which is not at all pleasant for the country and democracy.”

The BNP leader said the purpose of the reform is to improve the quality of life of the people, provide security to the lives and property of the people, and ensure accountability and rule of law. Above all, to protect the independence and sovereignty of the country.”

Stating that there is no room for such unnecessary debates as "reform before, election later", or "election before, reform later", Fakhrul said that since reform is an ongoing process, both the reform and election process can go on simultaneously. “A reform charter can be prepared based on the consensus of the political parties, which the elected government will later implement<” he suggested.