Leaders of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) have stated that while they agree on many issues with the National Consensus Commission, some points of disagreement still remain.

The BNP held a meeting with the commission at 11:00 am on Sunday (April 20) in the LD Hall conference room of the National Parliament Building.

The meeting was led by BNP Standing Committee member Salahuddin Ahmed. The delegation also included Standing Committee member Nazrul Islam Khan, Chairperson’s Advisor Ismail Zabihullah, former secretary Abu Mohammad Moniruzzaman, and Supreme Court lawyer Barrister Ruhul Quddus Kajal.

During a break in the meeting, Nazrul Islam Khan told reporters, “Although there are differences on several issues, we have come quite close on many others.”

He added, “BNP does not believe in Bakshal. It is not acceptable for one party to dictate everything. We hope the discussions with the National Consensus Commission will yield the best possible outcomes.”

Salahuddin Ahmed said, “BNP wants the Fifth Amendment to be included in the preamble of the Constitution. We agree on the fundamental principles of equality, human dignity, and justice. We also support the commission’s proposal to include pluralism in the Constitution.”

However, he mentioned that the BNP disagrees with changing the constitutional name of the state.

He further stated, “BNP wants internet access to be recognized as a fundamental right. The party also supports increasing the number of reserved seats for women to 100, but this should be implemented from the 13th Parliament. BNP believes the decision should be taken through discussion in Parliament.”

Salahuddin noted that consensus has not yet been reached regarding setting the minimum age for election candidates at 21.

On the issue of whether the head of government and the party chief should be the same individual, he said the BNP has a differing opinion. According to the party, this decision should be left to political parties as it is crucial for democratic practice.

He also said that the choice of who will be the Leader of the House should be determined by political parties. The BNP has differences with the commission on this issue as well.

While the party agrees on the number of members in both the upper and lower houses of Parliament, discussions are still ongoing about how those members will be elected, Salahuddin said.

“We have suggested enacting new laws to ensure checks and balances on the powers of the President,” he added.

He further stated, “We do not agree with the NCC (National Consensus Commission) on several matters. It would be a burden for the Prime Minister to run the state under these terms. Elections cannot be free and fair without a caretaker government. Until a proper electoral environment is established in the country, a caretaker government remains necessary — it is a part of the doctrine of necessity.”