One person is the prime minister, leader of parliament, and party leader.
Different proposals from BNP, Jamaat, and NCP
BNP supports the idea of one individual simultaneously holding the roles of prime minister, leader of parliament, and party chief. In contrast, the National Consensus Commission has proposed that a single person should hold only one of these top positions at a time—a stance supported by several parties, including the National Citizens Party (NCP).
Jamaat-e-Islami offers a middle-ground view, suggesting that one person may hold two roles—Prime Minister and Leader of Parliament—but not all three.
Following the 15th day of the second round of political dialogue with the National Consensus Commission at the Foreign Service Academy in Dhaka on Sunday, BNP Standing Committee member Salahuddin Ahmed stated, "There is general consensus on combining the roles of Prime Minister and Leader of Parliament. However, whether the prime minister should also be the party chief remains a point of contention. We’ve submitted a written proposal and reiterated our position during the discussion."
In this context, the BNP standing committee member said, "In countries like the UK, the party leader becomes the prime minister. However, it is not an election but a decision of the parliamentary party. If that person leads a party, he is not disqualified as the prime minister." He said, "The party leader should have an option to become the prime minister. He has the democratic right to do so. If the parliamentary party makes a decision, the party leader can become the prime minister. Again, they can nominate someone else if they want. But it is important to keep that option."
Salahuddin Ahmed further said, 'A provision that no one can become the Prime Minister just because they are party leaders would be anti-democratic. It is against the practice of parliamentary democracy.'
The same person should not be the prime minister, party chief, and leader of parliament, said Ariful Islam Adeeb, senior joint convener of the National Citizens Party (NCP). He said, "As the same person is the prime minister, party chief, and leader of parliament (leader of the House), alternative leadership is not being created in the country. We want an end to this practice."
And Jamaat-e-Islami's Naib-e-Amir Syed Abdullah Mohammad Taher said, "If the same person holds these three important positions—Prime Minister, Parliament Leader, and Party Chief—there is no political balance. In this, members of Parliament cannot speak out, and party leaders and workers are also in fear." Taher said, "We believe that a person can be the prime minister and parliament leader but cannot be the party chief at the same time. Such an arrangement will restore balance to the political structure and create opportunities for leadership development."
Caretaker Government
BNP Standing Committee member Salahuddin Ahmed has expressed optimism about the return of the caretaker government system, stating that, despite its abolition, the issue remains under review in the Appellate Division. “We believe the judiciary may still reinstate it through a final verdict,” he said on Sunday, after the 15th day of talks with the National Consensus Commission at the Foreign Service Academy.
He added that even if the court does not restore the system, the National Parliament retains the authority to reintroduce it through legislation. “There is a general consensus among political parties to keep the judiciary out of political debates. Respecting that, the commission has prepared a draft for discussion, with feedback expected by next Tuesday,” he noted.
Salahuddin revealed that BNP and other parties submitted multiple alternatives for the proposed caretaker government's structure. The commission reviewed these suggestions and compiled them into a preliminary draft. Notably, BNP’s earlier proposal to place the president at the centre of the process has been withdrawn.
A new model has been proposed: a five-member committee to select the Chief Advisor of the caretaker government. The committee would include the prime minister, the leader of the opposition, a representative of the third-largest party, and two additional members. Salahuddin explained, “Names can be invited from political parties or the public, followed by a shortlist. If needed, the final choice can be made through ranked-choice voting.”
The Chief Advisor would be a neutral, widely acceptable citizen, empowered to carry out routine executive functions for up to 90 days—extendable by 30 days in emergencies. The scope of authority would mirror that of a prime minister but be strictly limited to day-to-day operations.
“We are hopeful,” Salahuddin concluded, “that considering both Bangladesh’s reality and global democratic standards, we’ll arrive at a practical and fair solution.”
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