BNP’s Salahuddin hopes for a ‘broader agreement’ based on consensus

"We’re not going very fast as it’s a matter involving the state, the republic and the Constitution,” the BNP leader says

BNP Standing Committee member Salahuddin Ahmed expects that the discussion on the reform proposals will reach a “broader agreement” based on a national consensus.

He expressed the hope at the start of the party’s third round of talks with the National Consensus Commission on Tuesday.

The BNP leader, who is leading a four-member delegation, said: "We are not going very fast as it is a matter involving the state, the republic and the Constitution.

"We will be able to create a broader consensus from the decisions based on the national consensus, which will play a great role in national life. As such, we are talking about the reports in detail though it takes a little more time."

The BNP is meeting with the consensus committee for a third day to discuss the reform proposals drafted by five reform commissions under the interim government.

The meeting started at 11:10am at the LD Hall of the National Parliament building.

Salahuddin is accompanied by BNP Advisory Council member Ismail Zabihullah, Executive Committee member Barrister Ruhul Quddus Kazal, and former secretary Abu Md Moniruzzaman Khan.

Prof Ali Riaz, vice chairman of the commission, is presiding over the meeting. Commission members Badiul Alam Majumdar, retired justice Emdadul Haque, Iftekharruzzaman and special assistant to the chief advisor Monir Haider are also in attendance.

Salahuddin said, “We have not discussed the brief given by the National Consensus Commission, which we call a spreadsheet. That created a lot of confusion. They (the consensus commission) are not interested in discussing it as we are. We would like to conclude the discussions in phases on the detailed reports."

He said the reform reports of the judiciary, election system, public administration and Anti-Corruption Commission will be discussed on Tuesday.

Referring to the judiciary, Salahuddin said: "The ordinance issued by the Supreme Court on the appointment of judges has already been challenged in the High Court. We believe in the complete independence of the judiciary and are committed to implementing the initiative to establish the Supreme Court Secretariat.

"I would, however, urge the judiciary to ensure that all relevant initiatives of the Supreme Court are taken in a lawful and constitutional manner."