BNP now says it won't go for bicameral system

The BNP has backed out of its plan to introduce a bicameral parliamentary system if voted to power. However, it has decided to further examine the issue.

The decision was made at a meeting of the BNP standing committee at the party's Nayapaltan central office early today.

The party's highest policy-making body agreed to ensure balance of power in government by bringing necessary amendments to the constitution if voted to power, meeting sources said.

“In recent years, people have had a deep realisation that an absolute executive authority of the prime minister has given rise to an authoritarian rule. The party has decided to balance the prime minister's power so that the premier cannot act like an autocrat,” BNP standing committee member Lt Gen (retd) Mahbubur Rahman told The Daily Star.

BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia is scheduled to announce “Vision-2030” at a press conference in the capital tomorrow. The BNP would pledge to materialise its vision if voted to power, said party sources. 

The standing committee met last night to give Vision-2030, a plan on developing the country, a final shape.

Speaking at the party's national council on March 19, Khaleda had pledged to introduce a bicameral parliamentary system, maintain the unitary nature of the country, and restore the referendum system in the constitution.

“There will be an upper house of parliament with representatives from different communities, marginal groups and knowledgeable and gifted people from different professions,” said the BNP chief.

But in yesterday's meeting, BNP leaders pointed out some problems with introduction of a bicameral parliamentary system, Mahbubur said.

Most of the party policymakers observed that dividing the country into different provinces might create internal tension.

The meeting later decided that the party will further examine the issue and won't make any pledge on it.

The BNP will commit to curtailing the PM's absolute power and further empower the ministers. The party will also pledge to eliminate corruption from the country for ever.

The standing committee meeting started at 9:40pm last night and around 1:30am today it was adjourned till 10:00am.