The National Consensus Commission has decided to form a 100-seat upper house in the national legislature using the proportional representation (PR) system, amid continued disagreement among political parties.

The announcement came on Thursday (July 31) during the midday break on the 23rd day of the second round of political dialogue. 

Commission Vice-Chairman Professor Ali Riaz, disclosed the decision. 

He said that the commission made the decision after parties failed to reach a consensus.

“Since no consensus was reached the commission has now opted for a PR-based model for upper house election,” said Riaz.

According to the commission’s proposal, the upper house will not have independent law-making powers but must review all bills except money bills. It can approve or reject them within a set timeframe, after which pending bills are automatically approved.

If rejected, bills return to the lower house with suggested amendments, which the lower house may accept fully, partially, or reject.

Upper house candidates must be finalised alongside general election nominees, with at least 10% of them being women.
BNP Standing Committee Member Salahuddin Ahmed said, “BNP and several other parties disagree with both the proposed PR model and the role of the upper house. If this is included in writing, we will not sign.”

Other parties, including CPB, BSD, Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam, and the Amjanata Party also questioned the need for an upper chamber given Bangladesh’s socio-economic context. Ganosamhati Andolon stated that since the proposed upper house would not have legislative authority, they did not see its necessity.

Due to the continued disagreement, the commission has put forward its own final proposal on the matter.

MSK/