NCP presents fundamental reform plan to consensus commission, focus on 3 key goals

The National Citizen Party (NCP) has submitted its outline of fundamental reforms to the National Consensus Commission, identifying balance of power, accountability, and decentralisation as the three essential pillars for restructuring the governance system of Bangladesh.

The proposal was presented during extended discussions at the LD Hall of the National Parliament on Tuesday.

According to the NCP, elections can be held at any time, but a fair and stable political future depends on implementing these structural reforms beforehand.  

The party also insisted that the trial of fascist and genocidal Awami League must be visibly pursued.

The Consensus Commission is currently holding discussions with various political parties on the key recommendations submitted by the five reform commissions, with the aim of building broad political agreement.

Tuesday’s discussion marked the commission’s second session with the NCP, following an initial meeting on 19 April. The first phase of the dialogue between the two sides concluded with this latest round.

In its presentation, the NCP emphasised that the goal of the July mass uprising was not merely the restoration of electoral democracy but the institutionalisation of democratic practices through systemic transformation.

The party stated that elections are a crucial step, but democracy cannot be sustained by elections alone.  

Drawing on the experience of Bangladesh’s return to democracy in 1991 and the years that followed, the NCP warned that focusing solely on minimal electoral reforms - such as a temporary arrangement to ensure free and fair voting - would once again leave the country vulnerable to authoritarian rule. 

The NCP’s outline covers a wide range of issues it considers essential to democratic restructuring. These include reforms to the constitution, particularly the concentration of power in the Prime Minister’s office, as well as the creation of an independent and effective Election Commission.

The party has also proposed introducing provisions for constitutional referendums, ensuring the independence of the judiciary, reforming the appointment process for constitutional posts, instituting a neutral interim government for election periods, and initiating reforms in the Anti-Corruption Commission.

Additionally, the party has called for major changes to the local electoral system and the broader public administration framework. 

Many of these proposals would require constitutional amendments, and the NCP acknowledged that discussions with the Consensus Commission on how to implement such reforms have not yet taken place. These topics are expected to be addressed in the future. 

Following the discussion, NCP Member Secretary Akhtar Hossen told the media that differences remain among political parties regarding the scope and urgency of reforms, creating uncertainty around the process.

However, he stressed that the NCP had done its part by submitting a detailed outline, which they believe is essential to protect the state from reverting to authoritarianism.

He added that the proposals submitted could serve as a starting point for further discussions, and that their implementation would help create the conditions necessary for credible elections.

Earlier in the briefing, Sarjis Alam, the party’s chief organiser for the northern region, summarised the NCP’s proposal to the media. 

In its outline, the NCP has proposed the formation of a National Constitutional Council (NCC) to ensure accountability of the executive branch. This council would be responsible for appointments to constitutional posts. The legislature would be bicameral, with the lower house elected through the current system, while the upper house would be formed based on proportional representation. Members of Parliament would have the right to express their views freely, but the constitutional framework must also ensure governmental stability.

The NCP proposed lowering the minimum voting age to 16 and the minimum age to contest parliamentary elections to 23. It also proposes that the right to information be recognised as a fundamental right. The outline calls for increased empowerment and representation of women and recommends amending repressive laws and constitutional provisions that infringe on fundamental rights.

To ensure balance within the executive branch, several proposals have been made. A person may serve as Prime Minister for a maximum of two terms. The same individual cannot simultaneously hold the positions of party leader, Prime Minister, and leader of the House.  

The opposition should have the right to form a shadow cabinet. The chairpersons of key parliamentary committees - specifically those for Planning, Public Administration, and the Ministry of Home Affairs - must be from the opposition. A vote of no confidence may be brought against the Prime Minister, although not against the government as a whole.

The NCP outline includes several proposals to ensure that the Election Commission (EC) becomes an independent and empowered institution. It proposes that the Chief Election Commissioner and other commissioners be appointed through the National Constitutional Council. 

The EC should have the authority to formulate its own administrative structure and budget. Allegations of serious irregularities, corruption, or abuse of power during or after the EC’s term should be investigated by the Supreme Judicial Council. An independent commission should be formed to redraw the boundaries of parliamentary constituencies. Additionally, if evidence of electoral fraud is found - even after the publication of the election results gazette - the results should be subject to cancellation. 

To ensure judicial independence, the NCP outline recommended establishing an independent administrative secretariat for the judiciary, forming the Supreme Judicial Council, appointing the Chief Justice based on seniority, and introducing a judicial commission and merit-based examination for the appointment of judges. It also suggested a neutral assessment system for promoting judges to the Appellate Division and the establishment of permanent High Court benches in divisional cities.

Furthermore, the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) should be recognised as a constitutional body and given full independence to act in cases involving government and judicial officials.

The NCP also proposed abolishing the use of party symbols in local government elections and bringing constitutional reforms to strengthen the local government system. Several reforms have also been suggested in public administration to improve citizen services.

Following the discussion with the National Consensus Commission, NCP Member Secretary Akhtar Hossen told newspersons that they had not yet discussed the implementation mechanism of the proposed reforms with the commission.

He reiterated that the current constitution is structured around autocratic and fascist principles, and the NCP has called for the formulation of a new constitution. Implementing this would require the formation of a Constituent Assembly, which in turn necessitates political consensus.

Akhtar further said that those issues will be addressed in future discussions with the commission, and a written proposal regarding the peaceful transfer of power will be submitted.

When asked whether it would be possible to implement the reforms proposed by the NCP if elections are held in December, the NCP Member Secretary said that there are differing views on election timing. According to the chief adviser to the interim government, elections could be held anytime between December this year and June next year. The NCP believes that if there is visible progress in justice and reform efforts by the government, and if other political parties cooperate, then the elections could be organised within this period. 

Earlier in the day, NCP Joint Convener Sarwar Tusher spoke to newspersons during a break in the discussion. He said that constitutional amendments should require a two-thirds majority in both the lower and upper houses, along with a provision for a referendum.

Acknowledging that questions have arisen about whether referendums should be required for minor amendments, he said the NCP believes that a referendum should be mandatory for amending key provisions related to the power structure and fundamental principles, but not for minor constitutional changes. 

At the beginning of the discussion with the NCP, National Consensus Commission Vice-Chairman Professor Ali Riaz stated that the commission has accepted the outline of fundamental reforms submitted by the NCP.

He noted that, subject to review, elements of this outline will be reflected in the second phase of discussions with political parties. 

Professor Riaz mentioned that the commission’s discussions are progressing through various formats, both formal and informal. The goal of the ongoing talks is to develop a national charter that will serve as a roadmap for building a democratic and accountable Bangladesh.

Among others, members of the National Consensus Commission who participated in the discussion included Justice Md. Emdadul Haque, Badiul Alam Majumder, Safar Raj Hossain, Iftekharuzzaman, and Monir Haider, Special Assistant to the Chief Advisor (Consensus). 

From the NCP side, the delegation was led by Member Secretary Akhtar Hossen.

Other participants included the party’s Chief Organiser for the northern region, Sarjis Alam; Joint Conveners Sarwar Tusher and Javed Rasin; and Organiser for the southern region, Arman Hossain.