Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB) has proposed that no single individual should hold the positions of prime minister, party supremo, and parliamentary leader simultaneously and that no one should serve as prime minister for more than two terms.
The recommendations were presented during a press conference on Wednesday, at their Dhaka office, titled "New Bangladesh: Measures for Establishing Democracy, Good Governance, and Preventing Corruption through an Interim Government."
To ensure free, fair, impartial, and participatory elections, TIB suggests implementing a non-partisan interim government for national parliamentary elections.
TIB recommends that to avoid conflicts of interest, the Speaker of Parliament should be free from party influence.
The Deputy Speaker should be elected from the opposition, and in the absence of both the Speaker and Deputy Speaker, opposition members from the Presidium should be allowed to act as Speaker.
TIB calls for opposition members to chair at least 50% of key parliamentary committees, including those on government accounts, law and justice, finance, trade, home affairs, energy and minerals, and defence.
TIB advocates for diverse representation in parliamentary candidate nominations, including youth, women, indigenous peoples, and other marginalized groups. Political parties should nominate at least one-third of their candidates from the youth sector.
Dr Iftekharuzzaman, executive director of TIB, emphasized the importance of ensuring accountability for severe human rights violations and maintaining the integrity of the judicial process.
He also highlighted the need for enhancing peace, public safety, and administrative stability in the country.
These proposals aim to enhance the democratic process and ensure that governance and elections are conducted with transparency and fairness.