BNP has proposed a provision allowing an individual to return as prime minister after a break, following two consecutive terms in office.
“We believe no one should serve more than two consecutive terms, but they should be allowed to return after a gap,” said BNP Standing Committee member Salahuddin Ahmed, speaking to reporters during a break at today’s meeting with the National Consensus Commission held at LD Hall of the National Parliament Building.
Following BNP’s input, the commission has drafted a revised proposal on prime ministerial term limits, Salahuddin said, noting that the draft will be reviewed internally before any public release.
The BNP also recommended expanding the powers of the president by amending Article 48(3) of the constitution. The party supports the idea of the president being elected by members of both houses of parliament.
However, BNP expressed disagreement with the commission’s suggestion that a single individual cannot simultaneously hold the positions of head of government, party chief, and parliamentary leader.
“We proposed keeping that option open, as there is no global precedent preventing one person from holding these roles,” Salahuddin said.
On constitutional matters, he said the BNP proposed reverting the preamble to its pre-15th amendment version, which excludes references to secularism or pluralism. However, the party agreed with the commission's proposal to include principles like equality, human dignity, and social justice from the Declaration of Independence.
The BNP also supported the proposal to enshrine internet access as a fundamental right, with Salahuddin adding, “It already exists; now it’s about ensuring the state cannot arbitrarily restrict it.”
He concluded by stating that the BNP agrees with most of the commission’s proposals, though some areas require further review.
