Even though the BNP has agreed to the reform proposal for reinstating the caretaker government system to oversee the upcoming national election, the party insists on maintaining the previous 90-day tenure instead of the 120-day period proposed by the Electoral System Reform Commission.
"The caretaker government system is an exceptional measure in the context of Bangladesh's realities. It is a constitutional provision designed to enable the state to be run by elected representatives of the public. So, in this regard, it is preferable to have a caretaker government for a 90-day period, as was the case in the past," the party said in response to the reform recommendation made by the Electoral System Reform Commission.
In its recent submission to the National Consensus Commission, the BNP also said the main responsibility of the caretaker government is to ensure the conduct of a fair and credible national election. "So, its role should be limited to arranging the national parliamentary elections, and no other elections should be held during its 90-day tenure.
The Electoral System Reform Commission recommended a four-month caretaker government system to oversee the national election as well as all local government elections within its tenure.
The National Consensus Commission, led by Chief Adviser Dr Muhammad Yunus, began its work on February 15, 2025, with the aim of building consensus on the state reform recommendations put forward by the five reform commissions.
The commission identified key recommendations from the reports of the five reform commissions-the Constitution Reform Commission, the Public Administration Reform Commission, the Electoral System Reform Commission, the Judiciary Reform Commission, and the ACC Reform Commission-to solicit opinions from political parties.
Subsequently, the Consensus Commission sent a spreadsheet containing 166 recommendations to 38 political parties, requesting their specific opinions on the most important reform proposals.
On March 23, the BNP submitted its opinions to the National Consensus Commission regarding key recommendations from the five reform commissions.
Rather than providing a simple 'Yes' or 'No' response, the party presented its views in a separate column for each recommendation.
Regarding the 27 reform recommendations related to the electoral system, the BNP partially agreed with 8 to 9 of them. For many of the remaining recommendations, the party either disagreed or stated that they are constitutionally significant and should be decided by an elected parliament.
The Electoral Reform Commission, in its recommendations, proposed that the caretaker government should be granted the authority to reform necessary laws and rules, as well as to reshuffle the administration beyond its routine functions, in order to ensure fair, impartial and credible elections.
The BNP strongly opposed this recommendation, arguing that it pertains to constitutional matters.
"Administrative reshuffling is a routine duty of the caretaker government. There is no scope for this government to undertake any other responsibilities beyond its routine functions during the election period."
The Electoral Reform Commission also suggested the establishment of a permanent National Constitutional Council to finalise the appointment of the head of the caretaker government. Following this, the head of the caretaker government would appoint an additional 20 advisers.
Regarding the recommendation, the BNP said the issue also pertains to constitutional reform. �"UNB
