BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir has alleged that some vested quarters are deliberately spreading misinformation suggesting that the BNP is doubtful about the ongoing reform initiatives.
He also claimed that misleading information is being circulated about the party's position on the reform process.
Fakhrul made these remarks at an emergency press conference held at the BNP Chairperson’s office in Gulshan on Sunday (July 6).
He said that while there is significant public interest and expectation surrounding the activities of the National Consensus Commission, there is also growing disappointment and concern.
On behalf of the BNP, the party has actively participated in the work of all six reform commissions. BNP representatives have been consistently engaging in the daily discussions of the Consensus Commission.
He said that in an effort to reach common ground on various issues, BNP’s representatives have supported the commission’s attempts to build consensus among political parties, even making concessions on many matters.
However, Fakhrul pointed out that despite prolonged discussions, progress has been hindered by proposals from other reform commissions that contradict earlier agreements or introduce new ideas, occasionally resulting in a deadlock. Still, BNP representatives continue to participate patiently, offering facts, evidence, and arguments in the interest of achieving a meaningful consensus.
Fakhrul said BNP believes that any rational opposition to proposals that weaken or render ineffective the elected parliament, government, or state structure—under the guise of empowering governance institutions—aligns with the core objective of reform.
He argued that weakening the accountability of a government elected by the people undermines democratic norms. Therefore, refusing to support such efforts should not be seen as obstructing reform, but rather as contributing to a process that upholds the true spirit of reform.
He noted that the issue of the Police Reform Commission has not yet come up for discussion. However, based on information from BNP representatives in that commission, consensus has been reached on almost all matters, including the abolition of the Rapid Action Battalion (RAB).
Fakhrul added that BNP has agreed to 46 out of 47 recommendations in the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) Reform Commission. Only recommendation number 29 drew disagreement, where BNP advocated retaining the current system of seeking court permission instead of introducing a new law—arguing that any legislative change might cause unnecessary delays in the ACC’s operations.
Regarding the Public Administration Reform Commission, Fakhrul stated that BNP agreed with 187 of its 208 proposals, partially agreed with five, and disagreed with another five. Eleven recommendations—particularly those related to the creation of provinces and administrative promotion procedures—remained unacceptable. He emphasized that the Appellate Division’s verdict on promotions is already in effect.
On the Judicial Reform Commission, Fakhrul said BNP agreed with 62 out of 89 recommendations, partially agreed with nine, and disagreed with 18, offering alternative suggestions. He stressed that BNP supported all proposals related to judicial independence, although implementing some of them would require passing new laws or amending the constitution, particularly where ordinances are currently in place.
In the case of the Electoral Reform Commission, BNP agreed with 141 out of 243 recommendations and partially agreed with 14. The party also agreed with dissent in 64 cases, proposing modifications to existing laws and regulations to make them more effective. However, 24 recommendations were rejected outright, as they were deemed either impractical or potentially harmful to the constitutional independence of the Election Commission. He affirmed that BNP has agreed to all proposals aimed at ensuring free, fair, and impartial elections, and that discussions on necessary legal reforms are ongoing.
Fakhrul said BNP has given detailed feedback on all 131 recommendations of the Constitutional Reform Commission, agreeing with most. Among the notable proposals BNP accepted were amendments to Article 70 and setting a term limit for the Prime Minister—issues on which the party made concessions to promote consensus. He said that even though term limits for the Prime Minister are rare globally, BNP agreed to the proposal in the spirit of compromise. The party also agreed to a new method of appointing the Chief Justice, diverging from its previous position.
He added that BNP has supported the idea of granting the opposition party the chairmanship of key parliamentary standing committees, including the four most significant ones, in proportion to its seat count in Parliament. The party also agreed to amend Article 49 to reform the powers of the President.
Fakhrul confirmed that BNP supports the reintroduction of the caretaker government system, updating the Ombudsman Act, amending relevant constitutional articles to facilitate reforms in constituency boundaries, and forming a specialized committee through legislation.
He said that BNP also supports the establishment of permanent High Court benches at the divisional level, though the party suggested that this should be implemented in consultation with the judiciary. He recalled that a similar initiative had been rejected by the High Court in 1988.
Fakhrul emphasized that discussions within the Consensus Commission are ongoing. However, he expressed concern that new proposals with potentially wide-reaching effects on politics, state structure, and parliamentary functions are emerging frequently.
He said that while positive changes would be welcomed by the public, major shifts in representation or national expectations should not occur without directly involving the people—the true owners of the state. For this reason, BNP refrains from commenting on proposals not yet formally discussed.
He concluded by stating that BNP, through its long struggle against autocracy and tyranny, has not only survived but has grown stronger and more popular. He said the party’s unity has been solidified by the blood of hundreds of martyrs, the sacrifices of those subjected to enforced disappearances and killings, and the deep suffering of millions of leaders and activists. With that experience, unity, and responsibility, Fakhrul declared that BNP is committed to restoring democracy in Bangladesh.
He further said that BNP remains the most active force in resisting the re-emergence of dictatorship and fascism in the country. In his words, empowering individuals or institutions excessively leads to fascism, while weakening elected governments and parliaments renders the state fragile and ineffective.
Calling for responsible political action, Fakhrul urged all to honor the sacrifices made during the Liberation War, the 1990 student uprising, and the July-August 2024 mass protests. He said this historic opportunity for change should be used constructively and above partisan interests to build a non-discriminatory, humane, and prosperous Bangladesh.
BNP National Standing Committee members Nazrul Islam Khan and Salahuddin Ahmed were also present at the press conference.
SMS/
