Consensus between political parties can be reached only to a certain extent as the parties have different ideologies, BNP standing committee member Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury said on Saturday.
The National Consensus Commission sent the July National Charter to political parties earlier that day.
The 27-page document, now awaiting final review, includes the background of the charter, 84 reform proposals that were agreed upon, and 8 commitments for implementation.
The commission requested the parties to review the document and submit their feedback on the wording, sentence structure, and other matters to the commission by 4:00pm on 20 August.
In an exclusive interview with Stream, Khasru gave his reaction to the charter.
The following are excerpts from the interview.
Stream: The consensus commission has sent the final draft of the July National Charter to the political parties. What is your take on the charter?
Khasru: The charter is a matter of reaching consensus. This has been clearly stated multiple times because every political party has its own philosophy, ideology, and vision for the future. Consensus can only be reached to a certain extent. There is little room beyond that.
Each party engages in politics based on its own ideology, has formed its platform accordingly, and aims to implement its own agenda. However, at the end of the day, whatever level of consensus that has been achieved is good. For the rest, a political party will have to participate in the national election, and seek the people's mandate.
At the end of the day, the mandate must be given by the people. We have to return to the people, consensus or not. We must understand that something deemed important by one party may not have the same significance for another. Similarly, a consensus may or may not align with a party's ideology or goals. We have to promulgate the July Charter keeping the reality in mind.
The thoughts of an individual, party or group cannot be imposed on others. At the end of the day, people's opinion must dictate what changes should be made. This is the democratic process. This is the rule of democracy.
Unfortunately, some believe, "Only my perspective is correct. So, this must be done". This attitude must be abandoned … One must trust the democratic process. Something decided through people's verdict is sustainable. Anything imposed by force will not work in the long run.
Stream: The National Consensus Commission put forth 84 proposals. Its member Badiul Alam Majumder said in an interview that political parties have agreed on nearly 70 of the proposals. There is still disagreement on matters like proportional representation, bicameral legislature, and the appointment process for the chief auditor general and the election commissioner.
If consensus is reached on these issues, the commission will be able to announce that consensus has been reached among political parties.
Khasru: The consensus commission wants to sit for discussions. Discussion may allow for some adjustments. However, where there is no scope for changes, one side cannot impose its view on the other.
We are practising parliamentary democracy like some western countries do. Introducing a new method to the system is not acceptable. Those who want a PR system in the upcoming election, should go to the people and ask what they want … At this point, there is no room to impose such changes by force.
Western parliamentary democracy has been functioning effectively in many countries. In our country, it has become a part of the culture.
The people of a country decide what is good for them. There is no scope for importing a method from elsewhere. So, if any change is desired, it must be presented before the people in the upcoming election. If people want it, the change will be made. If the people choose PR, let it be.
Those who want to push their agenda must go to the people. If the people support their party in the upcoming election, they will get the mandate for a certain time. If their party has majority support, they will be able to make the change in parliament.
Stream: NCP's Nahid Islam has said the election can be held in February if the political parties agree on the reforms and charter. What is your take?
Khasru: That's his opinion. Everyone is entitled to an opinion.
We always say that the people are the owners of the country. Those who want something that cannot be agreed upon through consensus, should get the people's mandate through election.
Saying that I won't do this unless that happens is not a reflection of a democratic mindset.
Stream: This means the July Charter should be declared based on whatever consensus is reached and the election must take place within the specific timeframe.
Khasru: Exactly. If there is something we want, we will take it to the people.
Even after Hasina has fled, some of us have the mindset of a "micro-Hasina".
Democracy means obtaining people's mandate and passing it in parliament. There is no other way. We all have the right to ask for something. But in the end, we must have respect for each other.
Those who call for obstructing elections are trying to block and disrupt the democratic path. Over the past 17 years, people have sacrificed their lives to reclaim their democratic ownership, rights, and freedoms.
Stream: The final draft of the July Charter states that it is above all other laws. It is almost close to the constitution...
Amir Khasru: The constitution itself is amendable. We will abide by whatever consensus has already been reached.
The BNP believes that the people's opinion is above everything else. We will take this charter to the people even if none of the others do. With the people's opinion and mandate, we will have it passed in parliament.
Deciding Bangladesh's future is not something academic. It's not acceptable for academics or other experts to sit and determine the country's future. The responsibility lies with the people.
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