Professor Ali Riaz, vice-chairman of the National Consensus Commission, has said that most political parties have agreed on limiting a person’s tenure as prime minister to two terms or 10 years in their lifetime, but three parties, including the BNP, have expressed differing opinions.
He made the statement to journalists on Sunday, following the second round of talks with political parties at the Foreign Service Academy on Bailey Road in the capital.
Ali said: “Today, two important issues were discussed. The first was the tenure of the prime minister, and the second was the fundamental principles of the state in the constitution. After extensive discussions, we have reached a clear proposal: a person can serve as prime minister for a maximum of 10 years. However, full consensus has yet to be reached on this matter.”
He noted that the BNP, Nationalist Democratic Movement (NDM), and Bangladesh Liberal Democratic Party (BLDP) have requested more time to reconsider their position. “They view the issue in relation to the formation of an upper house and the structure of the NCC (National Constitutional Council) and intend to bring it up again in the next round of talks.”
Ali added: “Apart from these three parties, all other political parties have agreed to the proposal. We are hopeful that continued discussions will lead to unanimous agreement.”
Regarding the second agenda, he said: “The Constitutional Reform Commission presented a proposal on the fundamental principles of the state. Taking into account the views and positions of the parties, the Consensus Commission will draft a revised proposal, recommending the inclusion or reinterpretation of principles such as equality, human dignity, social justice, and democracy in the constitution.”
He also informed that, at the request of the political parties, discussions have been suspended for the next two days.
“The parties have asked for time to review the issues at the policymaking level. We are optimistic that unresolved matters can be settled during this period,” Riaz said.
