What does National Citizen Party say about state reform recommendations?

The National Citizen Party (NCP) has shared its views on state reforms while also seeking clarification on three issues from the National Consensus Commission.

The party handed over its written feedback to the commission’s Vice-Chairman Ali Riaz at the LD Hall of the parliament complex on Sunday.

NCP Joint Convenor and Reform Committee Coordinator Sarwar Tushar said: "We fully agree with 113 out of 166 proposals, partially agree with 29, and disagree with 22 proposals."

He also noted the party’s concern over the exclusion of some proposals from the July Charter, as five commissions had submitted separate recommendations.

"From there, it was condensed into 166 recommendations. It will then be further consolidated into the July Charter," said Tusher.

He added, "We want to know why important recommendations are being excluded, particularly those where consensus has not been reached.

“We have asked the commission what their stance is on these exclusions."

The party also voiced concerns over media reports suggesting that the government had been considering implementing 11 reform proposals without consulting political parties.

The joint convenor said: “We have asked the commission about the process through which these decisions were made."

The NCP also sought an explanation for not sending the recommendations of the Police Reform Commission and the Local Government Reform Commission to the political parties.

Following the fall of the Awami League government on Aug 5, 2024, the Muhammad Yunus-led interim administration formed 11 reform commissions to restructure the state.

Eight commissions, including the constitutional, electoral, judiciary, public administration, Anti-Corruption Commission, police reform, local government and media reform panels, have already submitted their reports.

The Consensus Commission has asked 38 political parties to provide feedback on these key proposals within Mar 13.

NCP's views on the reform proposals:

>> There is no objection to making Bengali the state language, and it should be the official language.

>> Citizens of Bangladesh will be identified as Bangladeshis, with constitutional recognition of different ethnic communities.

>> Protection of life and nature must be included as fundamental rights.

>> The political parties must include 10 percent youth candidates in their nominations, with the maximum age limit set at 35 years.

>> The minimum age for candidacy should be 23.

>> There should be only one deputy speaker, and it should be from the opposition party.

>> The prime minister and the leader of parliament can be the same person, but it would be preferable for the former to lead the Cabinet.

>> MPs can express opinions outside party decisions except for financial bills; no-confidence motions against parties can be included.

>> A bicameral parliament should be introduced, with upper house candidates announced before elections.

>> A nine-strong National Constitutional Council (NCC) may be formed, with decisions requiring a two-thirds majority vote.

>> An interim government should be formed during elections, solely responsible for organising elections, with a term of 70-75 days.

>> If the Election Commission (EC) and NCC are present, there is no need for a separate caretaker system, and the NCC can assume responsibility.

>> The NCC will remain in place until the new government takes over, and the Supreme Judicial Council can investigate any complaints against them.

>> The judiciary should have financial independence and a separate secretariat.

>> If an emergency needs to be declared during parliamentary sessions, it must be approved by a majority in both houses.

>> A state of emergency cannot be declared during the tenure of the interim government in the election period.

>> A 1 percent vote share should be the basis for seat allocation in the upper house.

>> There should be 100 women in the lower house, and the upper house should allocate 33 percent of seats for independent candidates and 25 percent for women.

>> The minimum age for upper house candidates should be 33, with no educational requirements.

>> Separate commissions could be formed for local government, education, and health.

>> Recommendations that are not related to the constitution can be implemented by the current government through ordinances before the election.

>> Recommendations related to the constitution should be implemented through a Constituent Assembly election. The next election should be conducted through the Constituent Assembly.