Salauddin: More Feasting Than Dialogue in Reform Process

Staff Correspondent

BNP Standing Committee member Salahuddin Ahmed has commented that the reform process being conducted by the National Consensus Commission involves more feasting than actual dialogue.

He stated, “BNP believes we can ultimately reach a consensus.”

Salahuddin Ahmed made these remarks on Thursday at an event organized at the National Press Club auditorium to mark the 13th anniversary of Citizen’s Unity.

Salahuddin Ahmed said the seeds of the previous government’s downfall were sown through BNP’s simultaneous movements. “We knew fascism would fall. But we didn’t know when, how or through what method it would happen,” he added.

Noting that BNP is cooperating with the government on reforms, Salahuddin Ahmed said BNP has agreed to the proposal that no individual should serve as Bangladesh’s Prime Minister for more than 10 years. “This is how fascism was stopped. Next, we must work on judiciary’s independence. Ensuring judicial independence will safeguard democracy,” he continued.

Criticizing the National Consensus Commission for being overly active in weakening the executive branch, Salahuddin Ahmed said, “Just because one dictator emerged in the past, we can’t destroy the executive branch. Instead, we need to establish a strong oversight mechanism to maintain power balance and ensure democracy. BNP wants reforms but doesn’t want to weaken any branch of government.”