The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) acting chairperson Tarique Rahman on Thursday proposed an amendment to the constitution with a provision that will not allow more than two consecutive terms as prime minister to avert the rise of autocracy.
“To avert recurrence of autocracy, the Bangladesh Nationalist Party wants to keep such a provision in the constitution so that none can become the Prime Minister more than two consecutive terms,” he said. He also stressed the need for having a balance of power between the legislative, judicial, and executive branches.
The BNP leader came up with the remarks while virtually addressing a programme titled ‘31-Point Structural Reforms of the State and Citizens’ Perspectives’ in a city hotel.
Tarique said that the BNP wants to build such Bangladesh where no individual, even the Prime Minister, can abuse power with impunity.
“Accountability and transparency will be ensured at every level of the government, from the highest offices to the grassroots, so that we can reaffirm that no one is above the law. If entrusted with the people's mandate to govern, the BNP will restore freedom of expression for all citizens, regardless of political or organisational affiliation,” he said.
Speaking about power changing hands, he said, “A transfer of power should not simply mean passing the state's governing authority from one party to another. Rather, it should usher in a new political culture that reflects the evolving landscape of society and the true aspirations of the people, particularly the younger generation.”
He also proposed introducing a bicameral parliamentary system – where two legislative chambers share the power to make laws – to ensure representation and participation of the learned and accomplished professionals in governance.
On the issue of reforms, he said, “When I personally speak of reform, I envision transformative change that enhances people's lives – not
mere revision to a few constitutional paragraphs. Reform for me means ensuring livelihood, socio-economic security, and savings for every family.”
He said reforms must address unemployment by creating jobs for men and women and reform must ensure the dignity, freedom, and empowerment of women.
“Reform should guarantee the safety and welfare of all citizens. It must provide our youth with modern education and moral values. It has to deliver the healthcare system that people deserve. It must stabilise the market and control prices of essential goods and services. Reform needs to ensure fair wages for farmers, labourers, and people from every working segment of Bangladesh.”
Emphasising that BNP's 31-point outline aligned with the meaningful change currently being sought, he said, “We take inspiration from the fact that, our 31-point proposal encapsulates all those popular ideas for reform, currently being discussed nationwide in various forums.”
Tarique also said it was time to look forward.
“Always being respectful to our national heritage and past achievements, our vision must be future-oriented, not buried in the past. We cannot afford to be bound by conventional governance; we must embrace modernization and innovation,” he said.
Criticising the AL’s crony capitalism, the acting chairman said the party wanted to ensure meritocracy at every layer of the nation-building process.
He said the shared priority was now to establish a truly democratic Bangladesh.
“Our common goal is to re-build Bangladesh, a Bangladesh where fascist ideologies can never flourish, and a fascist dictatorship can never rise again,” he added.
