Differences of opinion emerged on Wednesday between BNP and some major political parties regarding the proposal for the formation of a National Constitutional Council (NCC) at the third meeting of the second-round talks held at the Foreign Service Academy.
At a press briefing following the meeting, National Consensus Commission Vice-Chairman Professor Ali Riaz said that although there are differences of opinion among a couple of parties, all have agreed on a constitutional system.
He added that the political parties feel the need for a constitutional institution for appointments to constitutional posts.
However, in another press conference, BNP Standing Committee member Salahuddin Ahmed said his party does not support a proposal for the formation of the NCC to recruit for some key constitutional posts and bodies as the proposed council has no accountability.
Yet, at another press briefing, Convener of the National Citizen Party (NCP) Nahid Islam said his party does not support appointments to constitutional institutions under previous rules and practices.
The NCC is a proposal by the reform commissions that suggests a nine-member council headed by the President.
The council will include the Prime Minister, the leader of the opposition, speakers of both the upper house and the lower house, the Chief Justice, two deputy speakers nominated by the opposition and another member from both houses combined.
The NCC will remain effective until the appointment of the Chief Adviser.
After the Chief Adviser's appointment, a five-member body consisting of the Chief Adviser, two advisers, the President and the Chief Justice will take over during the election period.
The NCC's functions and authority will cover appointments of key constitutional figures, including the Chief Election Commissioner and election commissioners, the Attorney General, Public Service Commission, Anti-Corruption Commission, the National Human Rights Commission, the proposed Local Government Commission, chiefs of the armed forces, and other posts prescribed by constitutional laws.
The proposed council will also be able to recommend the name for the appointment of the Chief Adviser of the caretaker government before the President.
