On the second day of the dialogue with the National Consensus Commission on Sunday, BNP proposed to increasing power of President, a person should serve more than two consecutive terms as Prime Minister (PM), ombudsman can be appointed under the existing law and head of the government, party leader and parliamentary leader can be same person.
Talking to reporters after the meeting at the LD Hall of the Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban in Dhaka, BNP Standing Committee Member Nazrul Islam Khan said, "Discussions are continuing on behalf of BNP. We want to cooperate sincerely with the commission. We have come close to the consensus on reforms with the commission on several issues. We have disagreed with them on some issues."
"It is normal to have differences of opinion in democracy. Because we do not believe in Baksal. Where something is done in which everyone has to agree. Thinking about the interests of the country and the people, whatever is right and good should be done," he said.
BNP's discussion with the National Consensus Commission entered second day on Sunday with commission's Vice-Chairman Prof Ali Riaz in the chair. BNP will hold its third day discussions with the commission on Tuesday.
Another BNP Standing Committee Member Salahuddin Ahmed pointing out different reform proposal of BNP and describe about update of the meeting.
He said, "BNP is extending sincere cooperation to the reform initiatives undertaken by the interim government. We are cooperating with the reform initiatives with transparency, sincerity and seriousness in all matters."
Salahuddin said the party's proposal suggests that if a party leader completes two consecutive terms as prime minister, he/she must step down for at least one term before being allowed to contest again.
"If the people decide, the same leader could return to power after a break we want to keep the option open," he said.
Salahuddin also said the BNP does not agree with the Consensus Commission's proposal that the same person cannot be the head of government, party leader and parliamentary leader.
"We have proposed to keep the option open. We do not see such a practice that the same person cannot be the head of government and party leader. We also see in the UK that the party leader is the head of government. This is a democratic practice."
"If a caretaker government system is introduced and free, fair and impartial elections can be introduced through the Election Commission, then those who come to power after election must be considered as having been given that power by the people," Salahuddin added.
Regarding the balance of power, BNP said his party is in favour of increasing the powers of the President. To achieve this, the party proposed adding a new clause to the Constitution's Article 48 (3), which would need to be discussed in Parliament.
According to the BNP, the President should be elected by members of both houses of the Parliament. However, the party opposed the idea of electing the President through an "Electoral College", a recommendation put forward by the commission.
Regarding the Constitution, Salahuddin said, "There is no secularism or pluralism in it. However, the commission has proposed to add equality, human dignity and social justice which were contained in the Declaration of Independence. We have agreed with them."
The BNP leader also said the party agrees with the notion that access to the internet is a fundamental right of the people. "However, the state has to ensure the fundamental rights of the people. In this regard, the economic condition of the state should also be considered. Therefore, we have said instead of adding more issues to the constitution, we should do what the state has the capacity to implement."
