BNP on Saturday expressed doubt that implementing some of the reform commission's recommendations might weaken future governments and empower unelected individuals to control state affairs.
Speaking at a press conference at the Chairperson’s Gulshan office, party Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir also questioned whether the commission had made the recommendations as part of a planned initiative.
“The state of the National Consensus Commission's spreadsheet and the varying statements from commission members and certain political parties show similarities. This raises questions in the public mind about whether all these aspects are part of a premeditated plan,” he said.
Fakhrul also said it is difficult to determine whether the commission's recommendations truly serve the interests of democracy. "Upon reviewing the recommendations, it becomes evident that there is an unjustifiable attempt to appoint unelected individuals to state positions, which is unwarranted," he said.
The BNP leader said the democratic character of the state and the people's ownership are reflected through the elected parliament and representatives.
"But reviewing the recommendations of the Constitution and Election Reform Commissions, it becomes clear that it is better to create the opportunity for unelected individuals to govern the country, as politicians are unwanted," he observed.
Fakhrul mentioned that their party would submit its opinions on the recommendations from the reform commissions to the National Consensus Commission on Sunday.
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“We’re responding to every single spreadsheet sent to us by the National Consensus Commission. We are adding comments alongside the yes or no options in the provided response format. We are fully cooperating,” he said.
Asked which parties’ statements seem aligned with the consensus commission’s recommendations, Fakhrul replied, “As journalists, you can already see it, as many of the proposals have already appeared in the media. You will notice that they closely resemble the proposals made by certain political parties and individuals.”
The BNP Secretary General said it is desirable that various reforms and constitutional amendments be made by giving importance to the democratic values, culture and religious sentiments of people.
“All our reform efforts will focus on establishing a strong democratic political government based on broader national consensus—this is the expectation of the nation,” he said.
In line with the aspirations of the mass uprising, the BNP leader said the people of this country are eagerly awaiting the realisation of their dreams for a strong democratic state founded on equality, human dignity, and social justice, free from discrimination.
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Fakhrul strongly opposed the recommendation to establish new commissions, including a National Constitutional Council (NCC), arguing that the descriptions of these commissions' jurisdictions and functions clearly indicate an intention to undermine and weaken the executive and legislative branches.
“As a result, a weak and almost ineffective government system will be established in the future,” he warned.
BNP standing committee member Salahuddin Ahmed also discussed the issue, explaining that the proposed commissions, particularly the NCC, would be structured in such a way that unelected individuals would be empowered to manage these institutions.
“Proposals have been made to grant them constitutional authority. If these proposals are accepted, elected representatives will lose significance, and almost all key state functions will be managed by unelected individuals,” he said.
Fakhrul also opposed the spreadsheet sent by the commission, which only offered 'yes' or 'no' responses.
“Instead of presenting the proposals directly, they are framed as leading questions. For example, the spreadsheet asks, 'Do you support implementing the proposals through a Constituent Assembly? Answer Yes or No.' But the question of whether we agree on the concept of a constitutional assembly should come first,” he said.
The BNP leader said the purpose of reform is to improve the quality of life for the people, ensure the security of their lives and property, guarantee accountability and the rule of law, and protect the independence and sovereignty of the country.
Fakhrul said a charter of reform could be prepared based on the consensus of political parties, and an elected government would implement it later.
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He said the primary responsibility of the interim government is to organise a free, fair, and credible national election by implementing necessary reforms based on consensus and then transfer power to the elected government.
"The elected government will complete the desired reforms of the people. Only an elected government, accountable to the people and committed to ensuring justice and good governance, can carry out the reforms that are acceptable to all," he said.
Fakhrul claimed that certain advisers of the interim government have been directly or indirectly involved in the political party formation process, which has raised confusion among the public.
“Various signs and evidence of using the administrative machinery in this process are gradually coming to light, which is in no way beneficial for the country and democracy," he observed.
BNP standing committee members Mirza Abbas, Iqbal Hasan Mahmud Tuku, and Selima Rahman were also present at the press conference.