BNP supports steps to establish Supreme Court Secretariat

Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) Standing Committee Member Salahuddin Ahmed has said BNP believes in complete independence of the judiciary.

It also supported the initiatives taken to establish a Supreme Court Secretariat.

Salahuddin Ahmed told reporters after the third round of dialogue with the National Consensus Commission held at the LD Hall of the National Parliament Building on Tuesday.

BNP has also given its opinion on making it mandatory to appoint one of the three most senior judges of the Appellate Division of the Supreme Court to the post of Chief Justice.

The BNP senior leader said his party has disagreed on the proposal that no one can be prime minister after two consecutive terms.

"A person should have a chance to become prime minister again between gaps after being prime minister in two consecutive terms," he added.

He also said the prime minister should have the post of parliament leader. And it should be left to the majority party in the parliament to decide whether the party leader and the prime minister will be the same person or not.

Consensus Commission Vice President Prof Ali Riaz said they had invited recommendations from 39 political parties. Out of them, 35 parties have given their opinions.

Initial discussions with 15 parties, including BNP, have reached the final stage. Discussions will also be held with the remaining parties.

He said there is no opportunity to rush the issues of the state, republic and constitution.

Mr Salahuddin said the decisions made by the commission based on consensus will play a great role in national life.

"Therefore, BNP is continuing detailed discussions even if it takes more time," he added.

Mr Salahuddin said BNP has agreed on the vote of two-thirds of the members of both houses of parliament in the impeachment process of the President.

Stating that BNP agrees with most of the recommendations of the Reform Commission, he said the party agrees with the abolition of secularism. They also agree on bringing equality, human dignity and social justice.

Mr Salahuddin said it is their commitment to bring balance between the powers of the Prime Minister and the President to have a 'balanced government'.

They agreed that party symbols cannot be used in local government elections. Mr Salahuddin also spoke in favour of a bicameral parliament. "We support a two-chamber Parliament. They have proposed the name 'Senate' for the upper house and 'Jatiya Sangsad' for the lower. We agree."

On women's representation, BNP supports reserving 100 of the 400 lower house seats for women but expressed differing views on the election method for those seats.

BNP Chairperson's Advisory Council member Ismail Zabiullah, lawyer Ruhul Quddus Kajal and former secretary Abu Mohammad Moniruzzaman were present among others at the meeting. Prof Ali Riaz, vice-chairman of the Consensus Commission, presided over the discussion.

Commission members Justice Md Emdadul Haque, Badiul Alam Majumder, Iftekharuzzaman, Safar Raj Hossain and Special Assistant to the Chief Adviser (Consensus) Monir Haider were also present.

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