Dhaka //

BNP has given its opinion on making it mandatory to appoint one of the three most senior judges of the Supreme Court’s Appellate Division as Chief Justice.

BNP Standing Committee member Salahuddin Ahmed told reporters during a break in the third day of talks with the National Consensus Commission. The talks began after 11 am on Tuesday at the LD Hall of the Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban.

Salahuddin Ahmed said that BNP has agreed on the vote of two-thirds of the members of both houses of parliament in the impeachment process of the president. BNP has also agreed on the appointment of the Ombudsman. However, they have given their opinion that it can be mandatory to appoint one of the three most senior judges of the Appellate Division in the appointment of the Chief Justice.

Stating that BNP agrees with most of the recommendations of the Reform Commission, Salahuddin Ahmed said, they talked about the situation before the 8th, 9th, 10th, 12th and 15th amendments to the constitution in terms of running the state. BNP agrees with abolishing secularism. They also agree with bringing equality, human dignity and social justice. BNP has said that these should be made fundamental rights.

Salahuddin Ahmed said that their commitment is to bring balance between the powers of the Prime Minister and the President. They have said that a person should have the opportunity to become the Prime Minister again after a break after two consecutive terms. BNP did not agree with this.

The BNP leader also said that the Prime Minister should have the post of Parliament Leader. And it should be left to the majority party to decide whether the party leader and the Prime Minister will be the same person or not. They agree that party symbols cannot be used in local government elections. They agree on the four divisions mentioned in local administration.

Salahuddin Ahmed said that the parliament will be bicameral, with 400 seats in the lower house, of which 100 seats are for women, and BNP agrees on the recommendation of 100 seats in the upper house.

BNP Chairperson Advisory Council member Ismail Zabiullah, lawyer Ruhul Quddus Kajal and former secretary Abu Mohammad Moniruzzaman participated in today’s discussion with Salahuddin Ahmed.

Consensus Commission Vice-Chairman Professor Ali Riaz is presiding over the discussion. Commission members Justice Md. Emdadul Haque, Badiul Alam Majumder, Iftekharuzzaman, Safar Raj Hossain and Special Assistant to the Chief Advisor (Consensus) Monir Haider are present in the meeting.

The National Consensus Commission is discussing with political parties on the important recommendations of the five commissions with the aim of building consensus on the reform issue. As part of this, discussions are underway with BNP.

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