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Published : 22 Jul 2025, 03:18 PM
The National Consensus Commission has informed political parties that party chiefs cannot hold the post of prime minister.
However, a party can submit a note of dissent in the National Charter tied to the decision.
Announcing the decision at the start of the 17th day of the second round of talks with political parties on Tuesday at the Foreign Service Academy, the commission’s Vice President Ali Riaz said: “The majority of parties have agreed that party chiefs should not hold the position of prime minister.
“Some parties have expressed differing views. Those parties and alliances can submit a note of dissent in the National Charter.”
The proposal was debated over multiple sessions.
BNP and its allies -- Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), Labour Party, Nationalist Democratic Movement (NDM), 12-party alliance, Jatiyabadi Somomona Jote, and Aam Janatar Dal, or People’s Party -- supported the idea of having the same individual serve as party chief, prime minister, and parliament leader.
On the other hand, Jamaat-e-Islami, National Citizen Party (NCP), and most other parties opposed the idea of a party chief also serving as prime minister.
Referring to this, Riaz said: “For those who are eager to submit a note of dissent, the commission requests that you may reconsider if you find it necessary. But per our previous agreements, they are allowed to submit a note of dissent in the National Charter.”
Tuesday’s agenda for the meeting includes a decision on allowing multiple posts for the prime minister, finalising a consolidated proposal on the caretaker government based on political parties’ recommendations, provisions for the appointment of the Election Commission, Public Service Commission, auditor general and the comptroller, Anti-Corruption Commission, and ombudsman.
CONDOLENCES OVER MILESTONE AIRCRAFT CRASH
The Consensus Commission expressed its condolences over the Bangladesh Air Force training jet that crashed at Milestone School and College in Dhaka’s Diabari, causing dozens of casualties.
The commission urged the government to conduct a proper investigation of the incident, provide compensation for the deceased, and ensure free treatment for the injured.
The proposal was signed by the leaders of political parties.
At the beginning of the discussion, commission member Badiul Alam Majumdar read the condolence motion. A minute of silence was observed in honour of the victims, followed by prayers for the departed souls and the prompt recovery of the wounded.
In his opening speech, Riaz said: “We are holding this discussion during a period of deep sorrow. We must stand by the teachers and students who have lost their lives or are injured due to the crash.”
He also called on the interim government to take effective steps to prevent such incidents.
Ali Riaz further called upon political parties, saying: “We have very little time. We need the cooperation of all parties to complete the signing of the July Charter within a few days.”
Special Assistant to the Chief Advisor Monir Haidar, who conducted the session, said: “We welcome you to today’s discussion at a time when the whole nation is grieving. Young lives have been lost, and many are suffering in hospitals. But given our limited time, we cannot afford to suspend the dialogue.”
PROPOSALS FOR APPOINTMENTS IN CONSTITUTIONAL BODIES
The Consensus Commission will present new proposals tied to the appointment of officials in five constitutional bodies, including the Election Commission, through a selection committee led by the speaker.
Previously, the commission proposed forming a National Constitutional Council (NCC) for appointments to constitutional and statutory bodies. The nine-strong committee, led by the president, would oversee appointments, including the attorney general, heads of the security forces, and other legally designated positions.
Facing opposition from the BNP and some other parties, on Jun 25, the commission introduced a new proposal for an “Appointments Committee for Constitutional and Statutory Bodies” instead of the NCC.
A seven-member committee, led by the prime minister, would handle appointments to the Election Commission, Anti-Corruption Commission, Public Service Commission, Auditor General and Controller, National Human Rights Commission, Information Commission, and other statutory bodies.
BNP and five like-minded parties opposed this proposal as well, arguing that it would further restrict the powers of the executive branch.
Other commission members present at the meeting are Safar Raj Hossain, Justice Md Emdadul Haque, Iftekharuzzaman, and Ayub Mia.
