BNP Standing Committee Member Salahuddin Ahmed today (29 October) alleged that the recommendations made by the National Consensus Commission for the implementation of the July National Charter do not fully reflect the discussions held with political parties, nor do they align with the provisions of the charter signed on 17 October.
“The charter includes only the commission’s proposals. It does not mention what the political parties recommended, where consensus was reached or where notes of dissent were recorded,” Salahuddin said while speaking at a seminar in a Dhaka hotel.
Salahuddin said the document signed by political parties at the South Plaza of the Parliament complex was supposed to manifest the issues discussed with the Commission, but that consistency is missing.
The BNP leader said the charter attached a schedule proposing amendments to 48 articles of the Constitution, which would be subject to a national referendum.
“If this was their plan all along, then what was the point of holding 11 months of discussions under the commission?” he asked.
The BNP leader further said that during the commission’s deliberations, when political parties sought assurance of the charter’s implementation, the BNP proposed issuing a gazette notification to guarantee it.
Although most parties supported the idea, the commission later backtracked on the decision, he added.
Reflecting on his own experience with the commission, Salahuddin said, “I often felt isolated, as if I alone was on the opposing side. It seemed the commission and several parties tried to impose their decisions.”
He alleged that both the commission and some political parties attempted to impose “unconsidered decisions” on the nation, while the BNP represented the voice of the people.
Salahuddin also claimed that several of the issues now being put forward for a referendum were never discussed at the commission level.
“I was the first to suggest holding a referendum alongside the national election, and most political parties agreed with me then. But the 48 constitutional points now set for a referendum were never discussed with the commission,” he said.
Expressing concern, the BNP leader warned that the commission’s and government’s current approach would deepen political divisions instead of fostering consensus.
He also criticised the Election Commission, terming its decision to compel alliance members to contest under their own electoral symbols “undemocratic.”
Salahuddin concluded by expressing hope that the interim government would act as a true caretaker administration, maintaining neutrality in its functions.