BNP, Jamaat-e-Islami, and NCP Present Different Proposals for Chief Adviser Appointment in Caretaker Government

There is a consensus among political parties in Bangladesh on reinstating the caretaker government system for elections. However, differences persist regarding the structure of this government, particularly the process for appointing the Chief Adviser. The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), Jamaat-e-Islami, and the National Citizens Party (NCP) have submitted distinct proposals to the National Consensus Commission for the appointment of the Chief Adviser.

The Constitutional Reform Commission initially proposed appointing the Chief Adviser through a National Constitutional Council (NCC). However, following discussions with political parties, the NCC proposal was dropped, rendering the commission's suggested framework for the caretaker government obsolete.

Last Thursday, the National Consensus Commission presented a new proposal for the caretaker government's structure, but no agreement was reached. Subsequently, BNP put forward its proposal on Sunday, followed by Jamaat-e-Islami on Monday. The NCP had submitted its proposal to the commission in May. These proposals are expected to be discussed in a meeting with political parties next week. **BNP’s Proposal** On Sunday, BNP’s Standing Committee member Salahuddin Ahmed proposed a framework for the caretaker government during discussions with the National Consensus Commission. The proposal outlines five options for appointing the Chief Adviser: 1. The President, in consultation with parties represented in parliament, will appoint a suitable individual as Chief Adviser. 2. If this is not feasible, a committee comprising the Prime Minister, Leader of the Opposition, Speaker of the Lower House, and Deputy Speaker will be formed, chaired by the President, who will not have voting rights. 3. If the second option fails, the committee will include a representative from the third-largest party in parliament, and the President will have voting rights. 4. If consensus is still not reached, the committee will include representatives from opposition parties (excluding the main opposition) that secured at least 5% of the vote, with the President retaining voting rights. 5. If none of the above options work, the system will revert to the 13th Amendment of the Constitution for the caretaker government, though parties agree to avoid appointing the President as Chief Adviser. However, as a last resort, the President’s inclusion may be considered.

**Jamaat-e-Islami’s Proposal** Jamaat-e-Islami proposed multiple frameworks, emphasizing that the caretaker government should complete national and local elections within 120 days, extendable by 60 days if necessary. If parliament is dissolved for any reason, the caretaker government must be formed within 24 to 48 hours. Their first proposal suggests a selection committee comprising the Chief Justice, Prime Minister, and Leader of the Opposition, chaired by the Chief Justice. Within three days of its formation, the committee will receive nominations: five neutral candidates from the ruling party/alliance, five from the main opposition, and two from other opposition parties. The committee will select one candidate and recommend them to the President. The second proposal involves a parliamentary committee formed 15 to 30 days before parliament’s term ends, overseen by the Speaker and managed by the Parliament Secretariat. This committee will include the Prime Minister, Leader of the Opposition, Speaker, Deputy Speaker (from the opposition), Deputy Leader of the House, Chief Whip, Deputy Leader of the Opposition, Opposition Chief Whip, and two representatives from other opposition parties. If no consensus is reached, the committee will receive 13 neutral candidate nominations (five from the ruling party, five from the main opposition, three from other opposition parties) and finalize one name. The third proposal suggests reverting to the 13th Constitutional Amendment if the above methods fail, excluding the option of the President serving as Chief Adviser. **NCP’s Proposal** On May 25, the NCP submitted its proposal via email to the National Consensus Commission. It recommends forming an 11-member all-party committee at least three weeks before parliament’s dissolution, with representation based on the proportion of votes received. Parties must secure at least 5% of the vote to be included. Members of either house of parliament are eligible for the committee. The ruling party, main opposition, and other opposition parties can each propose three neutral candidates (nine total). These names will be made public, and the all-party committee will finalize one name with an 8-3 vote. If no agreement is reached, the upper house will select the Chief Adviser using the Ranked Choice Voting method.