Dhaka: The National Citizen Party (NCP) has agreed to the National Consensus Commission’s proposals to establish an electoral college system to elect the president and permit lawmakers to vote against their party. “The NCP has agreed to the NCC’s recommendations to adopt an electoral college system to elect the president and introduce a bicameral legislature,” stated Sarwar Tusher, head of NCP’s Reform Coordination Committee, during discussions with the NCC at the LD Hall of the National Parliament.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the NCP proposed expanding the role of local governments in national decision-making processes. Tusher mentioned that the party recommended incorporating elected officials from city corporations and other local bodies into the electoral college to broaden democratic participation. The NCP also supported allowing lawmakers to vote against their party, except in cases involving budget bills or no-confidence motions. In this context, the party proposed amending Article 70 of the constitution to enhance lawmakers’ autonomy.
The NCP also agreed to several proposals, including appointing the Chief Justice based solely on seniority, expanding the Supreme Judicial Council’s jurisdiction, and assigning it to investigate corruption allegations and constitutional violations by the Election Commission after its tenure. The party backed introducing a referendum for specific constitutional amendments following a two-thirds majority vote in both houses of parliament. Additionally, the NCP supported declaring Faridpur and Cumilla as separate administrative divisions.
However, the NCP opposed the proposal to introduce provincial governments, citing potential risks to national stability. Instead, it advocated for empowering local governments as a more practical alternative. The party further proposed that key parliamentary standing committees, such as those overseeing home affairs, public administration, and public accounts, be chaired by opposition leaders to enhance transparency and accountability.
Tushar also rejected recommendations to grant judicial powers to district magistrates, insisting that such powers remain with the judiciary. He opposed the abolition of district councils and the elimination of the role of district council chairpersons. The second round of talks between the NCC and the NCP began at 10:30 am, presided over by NCC Vice Chairman Prof. Riaz, and attended by various NCC and NCP members.
At the meeting’s outset, Akhter Hossen of the NCP handed over a set of reform proposals to Prof. Riaz. The NCP advocated for directly electing union council chairmen and members through public vote, demanding the removal of party symbols from local elections, which they claim contribute to electoral violence. To ensure transparency, the NCP proposed that all government officials and employees be legally required to declare their assets annually. It also endorsed having 100 seats in the lower house filled through direct elections and reserving 25 percent of the proposed upper house’s seats for women.
The first meeting between the NCC and the NCP took place on April 19, where they discussed proposals from the Constitution, Judiciary, and Election Reform Commissions.