Salahuddin questions neutrality of National Consensus Commission

BNP Standing Committee member Salahuddin Ahmed has cast doubt on the impartiality of the National Consensus Commission, criticising its recent recommendations to the government.

Speaking at a seminar titled From Rule by Power to Rule of Law: Transition to a Democratic Bangladesh, held at Hotel Lakeshore in the capital on Wednesday, Salahuddin Ahmed stated, "The recommendations the commission submitted to the government yesterday have raised questions about its role. The July Charter, signed on October 17 based on the commission's recommendation, has not been fully incorporated. Now, the Consensus Commission, the government, and two or three other political parties appear to be aligned on the same side—this contradicts the neutral role of a referee. We have never seen a referee score a goal, yet that is what seems to be happening here."

Expressing broader disappointment with the National Consensus Commission and the interim government, Salahuddin Ahmed added, "The actions taken by the commission and the government fall short of the BNP's expectations. The recommendations on implementing the July Charter are not entirely consistent with the signed document. It was proposed that a referendum be held on 48 points, but no discussions were held with us. The extensive talks and efforts up to this point now seem questionable." 

He further warned, "There is no assurance that any consensus will be implemented. The original July Charter no longer exists in its signed form; what remains are proposals from the commission and one or two parties. The commission's mandate was to foster national consensus, but these proposals risk creating division and disunity rather than unity. We are unsure of their intentions or ultimate goals."

On the Representation of the People Order (RPO) and alliance election symbols, Salahuddin Ahmed remarked, "Any party within an alliance should have the option to contest elections under its own symbol or the alliance symbol. Abruptly, it has been mandated that even allied parties must use their individual symbols. I have noted another political party supporting this change, which we did not anticipate."

Concluding his remarks, the BNP leader said, "We expect the current government to fulfill the role of a caretaker administration and maintain neutrality. We are deeply disappointed with the Consensus Commission and the government's various activities."