Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami has expressed its support for the introduction of a proportional representation (PR) system, the establishment of a bicameral parliament, and a constitutional provision limiting any individual to serving no more than two terms as Prime Minister.
"If the PR system is introduced, we believe irregularities, the influence of money and muscle power in elections, as well as voter-less polls, would be effectively curbed," said Jamaat Nayeb-e-Ameer Syed Abdullah Muhammad Taher while briefing reporters on the outcomes of the party’s first round of discussions with the National Consensus Commission.
A 10-member Jamaat delegation, led by Taher, participated in the day-long discussion, which began at 10:30 am with Professor Ali Riaz, Vice Chairman of the National Consensus Commission, presiding.
Taher noted that Jamaat had long been a proponent of the proportional representation system. Under this model, elections would be conducted nationwide based on party symbols, and parliamentary seats would be allocated proportionally according to the number of votes each party receives, he explained. Highlighting that more than 60 countries have adopted PR systems, he said, "We think it is a better option."
Saturday’s talks focused solely on constitutional reform recommendations, which continued until 5:00 pm. Jamaat agreed with several proposals while offering its own suggestions on others, Taher said.
Among the points of agreement was a proposal to limit a Prime Minister to two terms in office. On the issue of Article 70 of the Constitution, which currently bars MPs from voting against their party, Jamaat proposed that MPs be allowed greater voting freedom, except in cases of constitutional amendments, finance bills, and votes of confidence.
Taher also stated that Jamaat agreed in principle to the formation of a National Constitutional Council (NCC), though it had differing views on the composition of the council.
"Earlier, we opposed the idea of an NCC, but after detailed discussions, we have agreed in principle," he added.
Jamaat further supported the establishment of a bicameral legislature with a five-year tenure for both chambers. Taher said there had been proposals to reduce parliamentary and presidential tenures to four years, but Jamaat opposed the idea, arguing that a five-year term is more appropriate.
The discussions were attended by Consensus Commission members Safar Raj Hossain, Justice Emdadul Haque, Dr. Badiul Alam Majumdar, and Dr. Iftekharuzzaman, and were moderated by Chief Adviser’s Special Assistant Monir Haider.
Other members of the Jamaat delegation included Secretary General Professor Mia Golam Porwar, Assistant Secretaries General Rafiqul Islam Khan, AHM Hamidur Rahman Azad, and Ehsanul Mahbub Jubair, Publicity and Media Affairs Secretary Matiur Rahman Akand, Dhaka South City Unit Ameer Nurul Islam Bulbul, and Shishir Monir.
The National Consensus Commission, formed under the leadership of Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus, launched its dialogue process on March 20 to forge a national consensus around key reforms. It has already held talks with 16 political parties, including the BNP and the National Citizen Party (NCP).
