The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) has expressed support for a proposal to restrict any individual from serving more than two consecutive terms as Prime Minister. However, the party has also emphasised that after a break, a person should be eligible to become Prime Minister again. They argue there is no rationale for permanently disqualifying someone after two terms.
BNP Standing Committee member Salahuddin Ahmed conveyed the party’s position during a break in the second round of dialogue with the National Consensus Commission, held Sunday at the LD Hall of the National Parliament Complex.
The five-member BNP delegation included Nazrul Islam Khan, Salahuddin Ahmed from, Ismail Zabihullah, Ruhul Quddus Kajol, and Moniruzzaman Khan.
Salahuddin Ahmed said: Although the issue hasn’t been discussed in detail with the Commission yet, BNP’s stance is clear. If the people want to elect someone again after a break, that opportunity should not be restricted. We’ve proposed keeping this option open.
He also commented on the debate over separating party leadership from the role of head of government: “In democratic practices, especially in countries like the UK, we see the party chief also serves as the head of government. The key is to ensure free and fair elections under a neutral caretaker system.”
On the issue of fundamental rights, Salahuddin mentioned BNP’s disagreement with expanding the list too far, citing concerns over the state’s economic burden. “Our position is that the state must guarantee fundamental rights, but it should only commit to what is financially viable.”
The party also supported recognising internet access as a fundamental right but emphasised that the state’s financial capacity should be considered before expanding such rights in the constitution.
He added that while BNP agrees with increasing reserved seats for women in parliament from 50 to 100, the current system should remain in place until the next parliament is formed. Discussions on the method of inclusion can take place afterwards.
Salahuddin expressed BNP’s opposition to the theory behind the proposed National Constitutional Council (NCC), warning that it could overly diminish the powers of the Prime Minister.
It also opposed setting the minimum age of candidacy at 21.
On the issues of secularism and pluralism, BNP maintained its longstanding stance and called for a return to the pre-15th Amendment version of the Constitution. However, they agreed with including the Declaration of Independence’s core principles — equality, human dignity, and social justice — as suggested by the Commission.
Nazrul Islam Khan, also present at the discussion, said, “We sincerely want to support the Commission. On several reform issues, we’ve reached common ground. On others, we’ve voiced differences. Such diversity of opinion is natural in a democracy — we do not believe in one-party rule.”