BNP Opposes Reforms to Constitution’s Core Principles

In a high-stakes political dialogue that underscored the deep divisions over Bangladesh’s constitutional future, the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) on Thursday registered strong objections to a series of reform proposals suggested by the National Consensus Commission, particularly those targeting the country’s foundational constitutional principles and state policies.

During a day-long meeting with the commission in the capital on Thursday, BNP leaders made it clear that while the party supports certain structural reforms and is willing to engage in constructive dialogue, it is firmly opposed to changes that seek to redefine the ideological foundations of the state—especially the incorporation of secularism and pluralism into the Constitution.

Speaking to the press after the meeting, BNP Standing Committee member Salahuddin Ahmed reiterated the party’s long-standing position on the fundamental state principles. “We want to return to the constitutional framework that existed before the 15th Amendment,” he said. “This means excluding ‘secularism’ as a state principle and restoring the phrase ‘absolute trust and faith in Almighty Allah.’ We support democracy and nationalism, but we reject the inclusion of secularism and pluralism as guiding ideologies.”

Salahuddin added that while the commission has suggested adding concepts like equality, human dignity, and social justice—principles inspired by the country’s Declaration of Independence—the BNP would first discuss these ideas within its policymaking body before reaching any final decision.

Despite its strong reservations, BNP sources confirmed that the party is not entirely closed off to the commission’s recommendations. According to party insiders, while core ideological proposals will face stern scrutiny, some “reasonable and practical” suggestions are being considered for adoption, pending further internal review.

The National Consensus Commission, formed to gather support for sweeping reforms, is holding meetings with all major political stakeholders. Thursday’s discussion with the BNP was part of this outreach, covering issues ranging from constitutional restructuring to electoral reforms and the independence of the judiciary. Talks between the two sides are expected to continue on Sunday, with both parties describing the atmosphere as open, albeit marked by sharp differences on key issues.

One of the most contentious issues discussed during the meeting was the proposed alteration of Article 70 of the Constitution. The Reform Commission had recommended amending the article to allow members of parliament to express independent views freely on all legislative matters except for money bills. BNP, however, expressed scepticism, warning that such a move could destabilise the parliamentary system.

Salahuddin Ahmed cautioned, “Allowing MPs unrestrained freedom to dissent on all issues may lead to serious complications in governance. We believe freedom of expression within Parliament must be balanced with mechanisms to ensure accountability and stability.”

Instead, the BNP proposed a more nuanced approach: MPs should have the freedom to deliberate on all matters except money bills, constitutional amendments, votes of confidence, and issues related to national security.

Another flashpoint in the discussion was judicial reform. BNP has raised strong concerns about what it describes as constitutionally questionable attempts to restructure the judiciary without first amending key constitutional provisions. Salahuddin pointed specifically to recent moves to issue ordinances regarding the appointment of judges without first amending Article 95 of the Constitution. “Any such ordinance issued in this manner would be unconstitutional,” he argued.

He also raised doubts over the legality of forming a Supreme Court Secretariat without amending Article 116, which currently governs administrative control over the judiciary. “The judiciary must not become a violator of the Constitution itself,” he warned.

BNP, he added, remains committed to strengthening the independence of the judiciary but insisted that all reforms must take place within the legal framework provided by the existing Constitution.

The meeting also touched upon proposed changes to the structure of the national parliament. Although BNP supports the idea of a bicameral legislature, it expressed reservations over the method for selecting members of the proposed upper house. The commission has recommended a proportional representation system based on party performance in lower house elections, a mechanism BNP firmly opposes.

The party also disagrees with the commission’s proposal to reduce the term of parliament from five to four years, citing the need for political stability and governance continuity. However, it welcomed the idea of increasing the number of reserved seats for women to 100, though it wants the selection method for these seats to be revised.

Opening the session on Thursday, BNP Standing Committee member Nazrul Islam Khan underscored the party’s broader commitment to political reform. “BNP is not against change. In fact, we have a proud history of initiating reforms,” he said. “But reforms must reflect the will of the people, and that consent can only be given through an elected parliament.”

Khan further described the current political moment as a crucial opportunity for Bangladesh. “This is a chance to lay the groundwork for a more democratic future. That’s why we’re engaging with the commission. But reform must not become an excuse to impose ideologies that do not reflect the people’s beliefs.”

He also warned against excessive delay in implementing reform: “Sometimes, trying too hard to do good can backfire. Let’s not overcomplicate the process in the name of perfection.”

The BNP delegation also criticised the method the commission used to collect feedback from political parties. According to Salahuddin Ahmed, the commission’s questionnaire-style format—requesting “yes” or “no” answers on complex issues—was inadequate. “A one-word answer cannot capture our position on multifaceted constitutional matters,” he said, adding that this oversimplification risks misrepresenting the party’s views.

Some major issues remain unresolved and are set to be discussed in the upcoming meeting. These include the commission’s proposal to limit the prime minister’s term to two terms, as well as a ban on one person simultaneously holding the positions of prime minister, parliamentary party leader, and party chief. BNP sources indicated preliminary disagreement with these proposals, but promised formal responses after internal consultation.

The matter of holding referendums on constitutional amendments also came up. While the commission proposed widespread use of referendums, BNP insists they should be restricted to issues related to the state’s fundamental principles.

Another controversial recommendation—the establishment of a National Constitutional Council—was not addressed during Thursday’s discussions. However, Salahuddin confirmed that BNP remains opposed to the idea, consistent with its previously submitted written feedback.

As BNP continues its dialogue with the commission, other political parties are taking varying positions on the proposed reforms. Jamaat-e-Islami, National Citizen Party (NCP), and Islamic Andolan Bangladesh have already declared full support for sweeping constitutional changes.

On Wednesday, NCP’s convener Nahid Islam warned that any election held without comprehensive reforms would lack legitimacy. A day later, Jamaat-e-Islami’s chief Shafiqur Rahman laid out three conditions for election participation, the foremost being visible and acceptable constitutional changes.

While Thursday’s meeting marked some progress in bridging the gap between the commission and BNP, the road to consensus appears long and fraught with ideological and procedural disputes. As the commission prepares to resume talks with BNP on Sunday, both sides acknowledge that key differences remain unresolved.

“We’re close on many issues,” Salahuddin said optimistically. “But some critical discussions still lie ahead.”