BNP unveils vision for ‘rules-based’ Bangladesh
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To create a balance of power between the president and the prime minister, the BNP proposed provisions to enhance the president’s power.
Talking to The Daily Star, Salahuddin said that the BNP demanded annulling of Article 123 (2) and 123 (3).
The constitutional clauses call for an election for the post of president within 90 days of the post’s vacancy as a result of death, resignation or removal.
A general election of the members of parliament will be held, in the case of a dissolution by reason of the expiration of its term, within the period of 90 days preceding such dissolution.
And such an election shall be held in the case of a dissolution otherwise than by reason of such expiration, within 90 days after such dissolution.
The BNP has called for revisiting the 15th Amendment to the constitution, he told The Daily Star.
It has also called for measures to establish a balance of power among fundamental state institutions, including the executive, judiciary and legislative branches, to ensure “harmonious cooperation” and uphold fundamental rights, according to Salahuddin.
The party has proposed to reintroduce articles 48, 56, and 142 of the constitution that were removed by the Awami League government. The articles contained provisions for changes and referendums.
Referendums were part of Bangladesh’s earlier democratic practices, he said.
Additionally, the party proposed the formation of a lower judicial council to be led by the chief justice of the Supreme Court to ensure proper oversight, Salahuddin added.
Earlier in the day, after handing in the constitutional reform proposals, Salahuddin told the gathered media that the recommendations range from the preamble of the constitution to the schedule.
“We hope the commission will consider our suggestions, which reflect the aspirations of the people, the spirit of the martyrs of the July-August revolution and the current realities of Bangladesh. The proposals aim to ensure that parliamentary autocracy or dictatorship cannot emerge in the future.”
He further highlighted the need for reinstating the caretaker government system, calling it “the number one demand of the people”.
The matter is pending in court. “We hope the verdict will favour the public.”
The proposals address all aspects of the republic, including the executive, judiciary, legislative, election commission, and the schedule to establish a democratic system within the constitution.
“The aim is to create a balance of power in all branches of the state.”
Asked how the constitutional amendments would be carried out in the absence of parliament, Salahuddin said the proposals are now with the commission, which is tasked with reviewing them and making recommendations to the interim government.
The other political parties have also handed in their proposals for constitutional reforms.
“We believe there will be consensus on most points, although differences may arise in some areas.”
Once consensus is reached on the reforms needed to the constitution, the commitments would be included in the electoral manifesto and all parties will pledge to implement the constitutional changes once they assume power after the next election.
“We are hopeful our recommendations will be incorporated -- it is not the job of the interim government to amend the provisions of the constitution,” Salahuddin told The Daily Star.