Political divide over reform proposals: consensus or conflict?

In an ongoing effort to shape Bangladesh’s political future, various parties have submitted their written opinions on proposed constitutional, public administration, judiciary, electoral, and Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) reforms. While some have voiced strong criticism against the interim government’s 'Consensus Commission', others remain committed to ensuring democratic elections.

A key divide has emerged over the timing of elections—some parties push for immediate polls following reforms, while others advocate for elections in December, ensuring all proposed changes are implemented beforehand.

The Consensus Commission, which began its work on February 15 under the leadership of Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus and Co-Chair Professor Ali Riaz, has received feedback from 16 political parties as of Saturday, March 22. These include the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), Khelafat Majlis, Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam Bangladesh, Zaker Party, Bhasani Followers Council, Nationalist Democratic Movement (NDM), Aam Janatar Dal, Rashtra Sanskar Andolon, Bangladesh Khelafat Majlis, Bangladesh Jatiya Samajtantrik Dal (JSD), Workers Party of Bangladesh, Amar Bangladesh Party (AB Party), Nagorik Oikya, and Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami.

However, 22 parties, including the BNP, have yet to submit their full opinions, citing the need for more time. A BNP delegation, led by Standing Committee Member Salahuddin Ahmed, is expected to submit its report on Sunday, March 23.

Dissatisfaction Over the Opinion-Seeking Process

From the beginning, the process of gathering political feedback has been controversial. In February, Dr Yunus told parties, "Write down which reforms you support or oppose, and we will publish them online."

Following this, political parties were given spreadsheets containing recommendations, with three response options: 'agree, disagree, or partially agree'. Additionally, six different implementation methods were presented, including referendums, ordinances, or post-election constitutional amendments.

However, BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir criticized the approach, calling it a restrictive "yes-or-no questionnaire" rather than a genuine platform for reform proposals. Similarly, Nagorik Oikya President Mahmudur Rahman Manna pointed out that the Consensus Commission’s questionnaire contained only 166 questions, compared to the approximately 750 recommendations made by reform commissions.

Despite these concerns, some parties, including LDP and Workers Party of Bangladesh, have voiced support for the interim government and the commission’s work.

"Although we disagree with their predetermined decisions, we responded to promote national unity," said Manna, revealing that his party agreed with 104 questions, disagreed with 51, and partially agreed with 11.

While several parties have yet to issue statements, the BNP, despite its criticisms, has assured that it will provide its responses and support the government where necessary. LDP Chairman Oli Ahmad emphasized the importance of consensus, stating, "Debates and disagreements will occur, but national unity is crucial for the country's progress."

Concerns Over Politicians Losing Influence to Unelected Officials

A major point of contention is the potential shift of power from elected politicians to "unelected figures".

"The reform proposals suggest a system where politicians lose influence, while unelected individuals gain more control," said BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir.

BNP Standing Committee Member Salahuddin Ahmed pointed specifically to the National Constitutional Commission (NCC), warning that its jurisdiction suggests an effort to empower the unelected at the expense of democracy.

Fakhrul further criticized the reform framework, arguing that it would weaken both the legislative and executive branches, making governance fragile and ineffective.

Additionally, concerns were raised regarding the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) and its narrow definition of corruption, which focuses only on financial crimes. "We are shocked that other corrupt practices mentioned in the United Nations Convention Against Corruption (UNCAC) have been ignored. Government officials’ unethical actions should also be punishable, but they aren’t even classified as crimes," Fakhrul remarked.

Meanwhile, Jamaat-e-Islami Secretary General Mia Golam Parwar submitted his party’s recommendations on March 20, expressing skepticism about 'Article 70' and the role of parliament in decision-making.

"We have not accepted the proposals in full, but we provided conditions on specific issues. We support a proportional representation election system and expect meaningful reforms before the next elections," he stated.

Similarly, Khelafat Majlis Secretary General Ahmad Abdul Quader reported that his party agreed with 140 of the 166 proposals, disagreed with 10, and partially agreed with 15. He urged for reforms to be implemented via ordinance within 10 months, before elections take place.

BNP Proposes a Reform Charter to Guide Future Governance

Despite its opposition to the controversial 'July Charter', the BNP has suggested the formation of a "Charter of Reforms"—a binding framework for an elected government to implement after the elections.

Mirza Fakhrul emphasized that reforms should "enhance quality of life, ensure accountability, and protect national sovereignty".

"Reforms and elections should not be treated as separate issues. Since reforms are an ongoing process, they can happen alongside elections. A national consensus on a 'Charter of Reforms' can provide a structured path for the next government to follow," he proposed.

Commission Aims for Rapid Consensus Despite Divisions

Amid mounting criticism, the National Consensus Commission remains committed to reaching a national agreement within a short timeframe.

At a meeting with 'Khilafat Majlis', Commission Vice President Professor Ali Riaz expressed optimism about bridging political differences.

"Political parties already agree on many points. Where differences exist, we are open to discussions. We firmly believe a national consensus can be reached through continued dialogue," he stated.

Riaz further noted that discussions will be guided by the opinions submitted by various parties. "We will start from the feedback we have received and work toward a common understanding in the shortest time possible," he concluded.