Political parties reach consensus on caretaker government, redistricting

National Consensus Commission Vice-Chair Professor Ali Riaz on Wednesday said that political parties have reached a broad consensus on reinstating the caretaker government system and on redrawing parliamentary constituencies.

Speaking on Wednesday after the eighth day of second-phase discussions between the commission and political parties at the Foreign Service Academy in Dhaka, Ali Riaz said significant progress had been made, particularly on the issue of redistricting. 

He noted that immediate steps would be based on recommendations from the ongoing work of the Election Commission and the Election Reform Commission.

Highlighting constitutional reforms, Riaz said there was agreement to amend the constitution so that parliamentary constituencies are redefined within 10 years of every national census. This would involve adding a provision to Article 119 to establish a dedicated committee through legislation. Parties also agreed that the scope and mandate of such a committee would be clearly defined by law, ensuring a long-term solution to constituency demarcation.

For the upcoming 13th parliamentary elections, the discussions proposed forming a specialized committee comprising experts with the assistance of the Election Commission. This committee would oversee the immediate redrawing of constituencies to reflect political consensus, replacing any existing committees. Riaz added that these proposals would soon be formally communicated to the government and the Election Commission.

Regarding the caretaker government system, Riaz said all political parties unequivocally supported its reintroduction. Talks covered the structure, tenure, and the process for appointing the chief adviser. While the Constitutional Reform Commission had earlier recommended a 90-day tenure and the Election Commission proposed 120 days, political parties discussed these timelines in depth. The parties also deliberated on various models for appointing the caretaker government’s head.

Riaz described the discussions as very positive and said the parties had moved closer on key issues. He expressed optimism that, with continued cooperation, a “July Charter” outlining the political consensus could be finalized within this month.

These developments come after prolonged demands by opposition parties for a neutral election-time administration to ensure free and fair polls in Bangladesh, an issue that has triggered political turmoil and mass movements in the past.