NCP proposes ‘basic reform structure’ to National Consensus Commission

“Balance of power, accountability and decentralisation – achieving these three goals is the foundation of basic reform,” says NCP's Akhtar Hossain

National Citizen Party (NCP), a political party of student leaders who spearheaded the July Uprising, has proposed a “reform structure” to the National Consensus Commission.

NCP Member-Secretary Akhtar Hossain handed over the proposal to the commission’s Vice-Chairman Ali Riaz during a discussion LD Hall of the parliament complex on Tuesday.

Afterwards, Akhtar said: “We don’t consider only the issues of electoral reform, or constitutional reform based on a two-third majority as the basic reform of the state. Rather, balance of power, accountability and decentralisation – achieving these three goals is the foundation of basic reform.”

The NCP began its dialogue with the commission on Apr 19. The dialogue was adjourned on that day.

Akhtar said, “We believe that basic reform includes these issues –how the Constitution and state structure can be freed from autocracy and fascism, how the recruitment for constitutionals posts can reflect the national interest devoid of political influence, and how to depoliticise the judiciary and uphold it as a symbol of justice.”

He said they presented a structure to the commission about the issues that need immediate reform.

The party secretary said that for the last 53 years, Bangladesh had a governance structure that included “autocratic and fascist” elements that led to the “torture and suffering of the people”.

"We should work to elevate the Constitution and state structure to democratic elements, leaving out the autocratic and fascist aspects. Students and the public showed their willingness to achieve that by sacrificing their lives in the July Revolution. We must ensure that their sacrifice succeeds.”

Led by Akhtar, NCP Joint Convener Sarwar Tushar, Zaved Rasin, and Chief Organiser (Northern region) Sarjis Alam took part in the dialogue.

Vice-Chairman Riaz is presiding over the meeting with commission members Badiul Alam Mazumdar, retired justices Emdadul Haque, Iftekharruzzaman, Safar Raj Hossain and Mohammad Ayub Mia participating.