Public interest, disappointment surround consensus commission activities: Mirza Fakhrul

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir has remarked that while there is considerable public interest and expectation surrounding the activities of the National Consensus Commission, there also exists widespread disappointment and concern among the people.

Speaking at a press conference on Sunday (6 July) at the BNP Chairperson’s political office in Gulshan, Dhaka, Fakhrul stated that although lengthy discussions have already taken place and the reform commissions have submitted numerous proposals, the emergence of contradictory or entirely new proposals has often led to deadlock and delays in the commission's activities.

“Our party representatives remain patient in discussions and are assisting the commission in making sound decisions through factual arguments and logic—because we are genuinely interested in achieving national consensus,” he said.

Mirza Fakhrul warned against efforts that seek to weaken the parliament, elected government, or state structure under the pretense of strengthening democratic institutions. “Any proposal that undermines institutions accountable to the people directly contradicts the fundamental goals of reform. Supporting such proposals would go against the spirit of reform, and abstaining from support is not obstruction—but rather cooperation in the true sense.”

Fakhrul provided an update on the BNP’s stance regarding the six reform commissions: Police Reform Commission: Yet to be formally discussed, but based on internal communication, consensus has reportedly been reached on nearly all issues, including the dissolution of RAB.

Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) Reform: Out of 47 recommendations, BNP has agreed to 46. The party opposed one recommendation proposing a change in legal procedure, instead supporting the existing requirement of court permission to avoid delays in ACC operations.

Public Administration Reform Commission: BNP agreed with 187 out of 208 recommendations, partially agreed with 5, and disagreed with 11, mostly concerning provincial restructuring, promotion procedures, and administrative inconsistencies. Fakhrul noted that Supreme Court judgments on promotions remain in effect.

Judicial Reform Commission: Of the 89 recommendations, BNP agreed with 62, partially with 9, and provided alternative suggestions for 18, especially regarding constitutional amendments and ratifications by Parliament. The party fully supported judicial independence.

Electoral Reform Commission: Out of 243 proposals, BNP agreed with 141, partially agreed with 14, conditionally agreed with 64, and opposed 24. Fakhrul emphasized that many proposals are not feasible or could weaken the constitutional independence of the Election Commission. However, BNP supports all proposals aimed at ensuring free, fair, and neutral elections.

Constitutional Reform Commission: BNP provided point-by-point feedback on 131 recommendations and agreed with most. Notably, the party compromised on Article 70 and term limits for the Prime Minister—even though such limits are rare globally—solely in the interest of consensus. BNP also agreed to a revised proposal regarding the appointment of the Chief Justice.


The BNP also endorsed reforms related to giving opposition parties proportional leadership roles in parliamentary standing committees.

Amending Article 49 regarding presidential powers.

Reintroducing the caretaker government system.

Modernizing the Ombudsman Act.

Redrawing electoral boundaries.

Forming specialized committees through legislation.

On the establishment of permanent High Court benches at divisional levels, Fakhrul said BNP supports the idea but advised implementation in consultation with the judiciary, citing a 1988 Supreme Court verdict that rejected a similar initiative.

He acknowledged that BNP has agreed to many reforms solely to facilitate consensus, even when some are difficult to implement or unlikely to yield intended outcomes. “We have engaged constructively and shared practical insights based on our long experience in state governance and parliamentary activity,” Fakhrul said.

Mirza Fakhrul emphasized that BNP has not only survived nearly two decades of autocratic rule but has emerged stronger and more popular. “The blood of our martyrs, the sacrifices of those who were abducted or murdered, and the suffering of hundreds of thousands of activists have strengthened the unity of BNP.”

He reaffirmed BNP’s commitment to restoring democracy, driven by its unity, mass support, and governance experience.

“We are at the forefront of resisting the rise of authoritarianism and fascism,” he said. “Just as empowering individuals or institutions can lead to authoritarianism, stripping elected parliaments and governments of power renders the state weak and ineffective.”

Fakhrul called on all stakeholders to rise above partisan interests and utilize this opportunity for meaningful reform, inspired by the spirit of the Liberation War, the 1990 student uprising, and the recent July–August 2024 mass movement. He warned that those trying to delay elections are not on the side of democracy or the people.

Among others present at the press conference were BNP Standing Committee members Nazrul Islam Khan and Salahuddin Ahmed.