Weakening executive branch won't strengthen democracy

BNP Standing Committee Member Salahuddin Ahmed has said a strong democratic structure cannot be established in the country by weakening the executive branch.

"The executive branch should be allowed to do its job, the judiciary should be allowed to perform its duties, and other branches like the legislature should function properly -- only then will there be a balance of power," he said.

THe BNP leader came up with the remarks while speaking at an event at the Jatiya Press Club in the capital on Thursday, marking the 13th founding anniversary of Nagorik Oikya.

"The National Consensus Commission is more focused on weakening the executive branch," he alleged, adding that the executive branch should not be dismantled merely because a dictatorship once existed.

"Rather, a strong supervisory mechanism must be formed to ensure a balance of power and safeguard democracy."

He added that while the BNP supports reforms, it does not seek to weaken any branch of the state.

"The reform process currently being carried out by the National Consensus Commission seems more about eating and drinking than meaningful discussion. However, BNP believes that we will eventually reach a consensus."

Referring to the BNP's simultaneous movement, Mr Ahmed said it sowed the seeds of the fall of the previous fascist regime.

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