BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir yesterday said his party, if voted to power, will form a "national government" with participation from all parties that supported them throughout.

"If we are elected, we will not run the country alone ... So, where is the problem? Where is the doubt?" he said at a discussion at the Jatiya Press Club.

Highlighting the need for holding an election swiftly to save the nation, Fakhrul asked the interim government to focus on specific reforms.

"The public has started doubting you [interim government]. The people in the government are creating confusion by making various remarks. Focus should be on fixing the Election Commission, administration, and the judiciary to prepare for elections. The remaining work will be done by those elected."

Mentioning the lack of political expertise in the current administration, he said, "Factories, which are major assets of our country, are being set on fire. Why can't they address this? … They lack the political strength."

"None of these people [advisers] have political experience. Politics involves specific calculations and equations, which only politicians understand," the BNP leader said, adding that delays in holding polls will only exacerbate existing problems and create new ones.

Referring to the recent protests by the students of Government Titumir College, Fakhrul questioned the interim government's preparedness.

"Were they not intelligent enough to foresee this? Why were preventive measures not taken?" he stressed.

Urging the government for an election roadmap, Fakhrul said, "We demand polls in the interest of the nation, not for BNP's benefit. We submitted reform proposals supported by 62 parties. Review them and decide on which ones will be implemented."

"Announcing an election roadmap will restore public confidence," said the BNP leader, adding that he wants the interim government to succeed in their endeavors.

"We don't want Hasina to return," he said. 

The BNP has recommended the dissolution of the Rapid Action Battalion (Rab), which is currently under US sanctions for serious human rights violations.

The proposal was part of the recommendation the party voluntarily made to the Police Administration Reform Commission on December 5, BNP Standing Committee Member Hafizuddin Ahmed said at a press conference held at the party chairperson's office in Gulshan yesterday.

Established in April 2004 during the tenure of former prime minister Khaleda Zia, Rab has faced intense criticism both at home and abroad for its controversial actions. In 2014, BNP Chairperson Khaleda also called for the force to be disbanded.

"This is stated in medical science as well -- when gangrene sets in completely, there is no alternative but to amputate. Rab has become internationally condemned and has turned into a monstrous force within the country. Most of the killings, disappearances and extrajudicial killings were carried out by Rab. Therefore, we have recommended its dissolution," Hafizuddin said.

If Rab is disbanded, necessary steps must be taken to ensure that its responsibilities are transferred to the Armed Police Battalion and police stations.

"We believe that dissolving Rab at this moment would send a positive signal to the public."

The other recommendations include forming a Police Commission, establishing citizen committees at the upazila level, and introducing a proper documentation process before arrests to prevent abuse of power.

"Rab has become internationally condemned and has turned into a monstrous force within the country." Hafizuddin Ahmed

— BNP Standing Committee Member

The police commission would serve as both a watchdog for the police and a body that provides recommendations.

The commission's chairman will be the chairman of the parliamentary standing committee on the home ministry if parliament is in session.

If parliament is not in session, a retired Supreme Court judge will serve as the interim chairman of the commission.

This eight-member commission will include a ruling party lawmaker, an opposition lawmaker, a university professor, a senior lawyer from the High Court, a prominent citizen, an additional secretary nominated by the home secretary and an additional Inspector General of Police (IGP) nominated by the IGP, who will act as the member secretary of the commission.

The government will determine the selection process for the commission's members, framework and tenure through regulations, Hafizuddin said.

The citizen committees at every upazila or thana level would help the police to prevent crime and improve relations between the police and the community.

The chairman will be a local figure, while the officer-in-charge (OC) of the local police station will serve as the member secretary.

The other members will include two Union Parishad members, one teacher, one businessperson, one imam, and local representatives from political parties with seats in parliament.

The party has proposed that the commission require police to create a formal document detailing arrest information before detaining anyone.

To prevent abuse of power, the proposed form should include details of the arrest and be signed by the arresting officer, the officer-in-charge and the unit head.

A copy of the form must also be provided to the arrested individual to ensure transparency and hold officers accountable, Hafizuddin said.

The party has called for better training on human rights and discipline in police training institutions.

Police training institutions are often seen as "dumping grounds" for officers accused of misconduct, which undermines the quality of training, Hafizuddin said.

"To improve this, those working in training institutions should be given extra allowances and benefits."

The party has proposed two-tier recruitment for police.

The police force recruits through four entry points: constable, sergeant, sub-inspector and assistant superintendent of police (ASP).

The party suggested reforming this system by introducing a two-tier recruitment process.

Under the proposed system, the first tier would involve recruitment for the constables, while the second tier would be for ASP and that would be filled through the BCS examination.

To curb corruption within the police force, the BNP has proposed decentralising the powers.

"The procurement authority, currently controlled by the Police Headquarters, should be handed back to field-level officials," said Hafizuddin, adding that ensuring the rule requires police officers to submit an annual declaration of their assets.

The party also proposed strengthening medical facilities at the district level to ensure better treatment for family members of police.

"If the people entrust the BNP with governing the state, we will work to implement the recommendations we have made."

After August 5, at least 488 police officers sought protection from the military authorities in cantonments.

"Every one of these 488 individuals was either a criminal, corrupt or involved in enforced disappearances or killings. That is why they sought shelter. I do not think it was the right decision for the military to shelter them."

After the movement, there were no police for 3-4 days. There was no government either.

"It is difficult to pinpoint who was truly responsible. I believe that since they sought shelter inside the cantonment, military officials or senior officers from the cantonment might have had a role in their escape. But we cannot say this with certainty. Over time, this will surely come to light," Hafizuddin added.

The BNP yesterday submitted to the constitution reform commission its 62 recommendations designed to establish a rules-based structure and ensure checks and balances of power.

"However, you need an elected parliament to amend the constitution -- there is no other way," Salahuddin Ahmed, BNP standing committee member, told The Daily Star.

Salahuddin handed over the 62-point proposal to Ali Riaz, chairman of the constitution reform commission.

The party, which was last in power about 18 years ago, have proposed extensive amendments to the constitution to make it more democratic and fulfil the aspirations of the people.

"We have essentially sought a return to the constitution before the 15th amendment, which changed the character of politics in Bangladesh," Salahuddin said.

The 15th amendment to the constitution was passed in the parliament on June 30, 2011.

Reinstatement of the caretaker government system and limiting the prime minister's tenure to a maximum of two consecutive terms are on top of BNP's constitutional reform agenda.

The party also proposed a bicameral parliament, which is a two-house legislative system similar to the British parliament.

A practical reason for a bicameral legislature is to function as part of the larger system of checks and balances that balance the power of different parts of a government or a society. By dividing power within the legislative branch, bicameralism helps prevent the legislative branch from having too much power -- a kind of intrabranch check.

"We will do whatever is necessary to establish a rules-based Bangladesh and our recommendations for comprehensive reforms of the constitution come from that place," Ahmed told The Daily Star.

The BNP proposed bringing a balance of power between the prime minister and the president by way of enhancing the president's power. It also suggested creating the posts of vice-president and deputy prime minister.

Talking to The Daily Star, Salahuddin said the BNP wants Article 123(3) of the constitution annulled.

The Article 123(3) says that a general election of the members of parliament must be held before 90 days of dissolution of the parliament. 

It has also called for measures to establish a balance of power among fundamental state institutions, including the executive, judiciary and legislative branches, to ensure "harmonious cooperation" and uphold fundamental rights, according to Salahuddin.

The party also proposed referendum system in case of any amendment in article 8, 48, 56, and 142 of the constitution to be reintroduced.

The BNP also called for putting Article 8 of the constitution which pertains to fundamental principles of state policy to its previous form before the 15th amendment and removal of aritcle 7A and 7B. 

Referendums were part of Bangladesh's earlier democratic practices, he said.

Additionally, the party proposed the formation of a lower judicial council to be led by the chief justice of the Supreme Court to ensure proper oversight, Salahuddin added.

Earlier in the day, after handing in the constitutional reform proposals, Salahuddin told the gathered media that the recommendations range from the preamble of the constitution to the schedule.

"We hope the commission will consider our suggestions, which reflect the aspirations of the people, the spirit of the martyrs of the July-August revolution and the current realities of Bangladesh. The proposals aim to ensure that parliamentary autocracy or dictatorship cannot emerge in the future."

He further highlighted the need for reinstating the caretaker government system, calling it "the number one demand of the people".

The matter is pending in court. "We hope the verdict will favour the public."

The BNP's proposals address all aspects of the republic, including the executive, judiciary, legislative, election commission, and the schedule to establish a democratic system within the constitution.

"The aim is to create a balance of power in all branches of the state."

Asked how the constitutional amendments would be carried out in the absence of parliament, Salahuddin said the proposals are now with the commission, which is tasked with reviewing them and making recommendations to the interim government.

The other political parties including Jamaat-e-Islami have also handed in their proposals for constitutional reforms.

"We believe there will be consensus on most points, although differences may arise in some areas."

Once consensus is reached on the reforms needed to the constitution, the commitments would be included in the electoral manifesto and all parties will pledge to implement the constitutional changes once they assume power after the next election.

"We are hopeful our recommendations will be incorporated -- it is not the job of the interim government to amend the provisions of the constitution," Salahuddin told The Daily Star.

The BNP will allocate 10 percent of GDP — 5 percent each to health and education— if it forms the government, said BNP Standing Committee Member Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury today.

"We have made two clear decisions: we will allocate 5 percent of GDP to health and 5 percent to education. This is our commitment," Chowdhury said.

Chowdhury, also a former commerce minister, made the remarks at the 3rd Bangladesh Economic Summit 2024, themed "Inequality, Financial Crimes, and Healing Bangladesh's Economy," organised by Bangla daily Bonik Barta at Pan Pacific Sonargaon Dhaka. 

He said universal healthcare would improve citizens' health, allowing them to contribute more effectively to the nation. 

"The savings they would make on healthcare costs would enhance their purchasing power, enabling families to spend on other welfare needs," he added, highlighting similar outcomes for investment in education.

He criticised the diversion of funds from health and education to mega projects by the previous Awami League government. 

He said this fuelled inequality in the country.