Party chiefs ineligible for Prime Minister’s post: Consensus Commission

The National Consensus Commission has ruled that individuals serving as the chief of a political party will not be eligible to hold the position of Prime Minister. The announcement was made during the 17th day of dialogue between the commission and political parties, held Tuesday at the Foreign Service Academy in the capital.

Commission Vice-Chairman Professor Ali Riaz confirmed the decision at the outset of the meeting, stating that a majority of political parties were in agreement on the issue.

“Most parties have supported the separation of the roles of party chief and Prime Minister,” said Professor Riaz. “However, several parties expressed differing views. Those parties will be allowed to submit a formal note of dissent in the national charter.”

The issue has been at the center of heated debate during recent sessions. The BNP, Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), Labour Party, National Democratic Movement (NDM), 12-Party Alliance, Nationalist Alliance, and the People’s Party have supported allowing the same individual to serve as party leader, Prime Minister, and Leader of the House.

On the other hand, parties including Jamaat-e-Islami, the National Citizens’ Party (NCP), and several others have opposed the idea, calling instead for a clear separation between party leadership and executive governance.

“We respectfully encourage those considering a note of dissent to revisit the matter. That said, as per established precedent, all dissenting positions will be recorded in the national charter.”

Tuesday’s session also addressed several other critical issues. These included final deliberations on a proposal for a caretaker government system, based on inputs from various parties, and discussions on appointment processes for the Election Commission, Public Service Commission, Auditor General and Comptroller, Anti-Corruption Commission, and the Ombudsman.

At the start of the session, Commission Member Dr. Badiul Alam Majumdar presented a condolence message following the tragic crash of an Air Force fighter jet near Milestone School and College in Uttara earlier in the day, which resulted in casualties.