BNP Supports 10-Year Cap for Prime Minister, Rejects NCC Proposal in Any Form: Salahuddin

By Masum Billah

Dhaka, 25 June 2025 — The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) has endorsed the proposal to limit an individual’s tenure as Prime Minister to a maximum of 10 years over their lifetime, but firmly rejected any version of the proposed National Constitutional Council (NCC), calling it an attempt to erode the authority of the executive.

BNP Standing Committee Member Salahuddin Ahmed announced the party’s position following the sixth day of the second-phase talks of the National Consensus Commission at the Parliament complex.

“We agree that no one should serve as Prime Minister for more than 10 years in total. But if that proposal is tied to curtailing the executive’s powers through a body like the NCC, we cannot support either initiative,” Salahuddin told reporters.

The BNP leader voiced strong objections to the commission’s revised proposal to form a new “Appointment Committee for Constitutional and Statutory Bodies,” replacing the earlier NCC framework.

“We do not support introducing a separate constitutional body to oversee appointments. There are existing laws and procedures—those can be reformed, made more transparent, and strengthened. There is no need to insert another institution into the constitution,” Salahuddin said.

He stressed that democratic reforms must focus on foundational elements such as an independent Election Commission operating under a non-partisan caretaker government and a judiciary that guarantees justice.

“Without these pillars in place, rearranging or weakening the executive structure won’t achieve democratic progress,” he added.

Addressing unresolved issues, Salahuddin pointed out that there was no agreement on proposals related to state governance principles or constitutional changes introduced through the 5th Amendment. “These matters remain unsettled,” he noted.

On the Election Commission, Salahuddin acknowledged gaps in the existing law but said it could be improved. “We support strengthening the law and ensuring transparency in the search committee process. That would address most concerns,” he said.

Earlier in the day, National Consensus Commission Vice Chairman Professor Ali Riaz revealed a revised structure for the previously proposed NCC. The new plan drops the inclusion of the President and Chief Justice and instead proposes a committee made up of the Speakers of both parliamentary chambers.

He clarified that the rebranded committee would only deal with appointments to constitutional and statutory bodies, excluding top-level posts such as the Attorney General and armed forces chiefs.

Despite attempts to reshape the proposal, the BNP remains unconvinced.

“This isn’t about opposing reform,” Salahuddin said. “It’s about ensuring reforms don’t come at the cost of constitutional balance and democratic integrity.”