President should appoint Army, Navy, Air Force chiefs, says Consensus Commission

Progress made on women’s representation and presidential powers, says Ali Riaz

The National Consensus Commission has proposed that the appointment of the heads of Bangladesh’s armed forces should rest with the president, the titular head of state, and not the prime minister.

It also recommended that the president hold independent authority over several other key positions.

The proposal came during a meeting with political parties held at the Foreign Service Academy in Dhaka.

The session was part of the second phase of the commission’s ongoing dialogue, with Wednesday marking its 22nd day.

Following the meeting, the commission’s Vice-Chairman Ali Riaz said a concept note outlining presidential powers and duties was shared with all parties for consideration.

“Under Article 48(3) of the Constitution, the president can currently act independently only on two matters -- appointing the prime minister and the chief justice,” he said at a press briefing around 9.30pm.

“We have proposed that the president should have similar powers in more appointments.”

The proposed list includes the attorney general, heads and members of the National Human Rights Commission, Information Commission, Bangladesh Press Council, and Energy and Telecommunications Regulatory Commissions.

It also covers the governor of Bangladesh Bank, heads of the Directorate General of Forces Intelligence (DGFI) and National Security Intelligence (NSI), the chairman and members of the University Grants Commission, as well as the chiefs of the Army, Navy and Air Force.

Riaz added that the commission submitted these ideas for the parties to evaluate. If they reach a consensus, changes would need to be introduced through constitutional amendment.

Seven agenda items were discussed in the session: women’s representation in parliament; appointment rules for the Public Service Commission, Anti-Corruption Commission, Comptroller and Auditor General, and Ombudsman; presidential powers under Article 48(3); the presidential election process and the electoral college; structure and mandate of the upper house; expansion of citizens’ fundamental rights; and principles of state policy.

“Significant progress has been made on women’s representation and presidential authority,” said Riaz.

“Some matters are still pending but we hope to finalise those by the 31st of July.”

Riaz said a near-consensus had been reached among the majority of parties on gradually increasing the number of women’s seats in parliament to 100.

“Though a few parties have submitted notes of dissent, an effective consensus has been formed among most,” he added.