The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) has launched a sharp political rebuke against the newly submitted recommendations of the National Consensus Commission, accusing the body of sowing “national disunity” rather than fostering the unity it was mandated to promote.
Speaking to journalists at the Secretariat following a meeting with Law Adviser Dr Asif Nazrul, BNP Standing Committee member Salahuddin Ahmed dismissed the Commission’s report as a politically skewed document that deviates from the spirit of the July National Charter, a consensus framework previously endorsed by major political forces, including the BNP.
“The National Consensus Commission has, for the second time, attempted to create national disunity instead of national consensus,” Salahuddin declared. “We have no choice but to thank them – not for their content, but simply because they have finally concluded their process.”
The Commission, led by Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus as President and academic Ali Riaz as Vice-Chairman, formally submitted its recommendations on implementing the July National Charter to the Chief Advisor at the State Guest House Jamuna on Wednesday afternoon. However, the BNP contends that the final document includes provisions never agreed upon in the original charter.
“If you examine the proposals closely, you’ll find numerous directives that were never part of the July National Charter we signed,” Salahuddin asserted. “This is not consensus, it’s imposition under the guise of consultation.”
The BNP’s criticism underscores growing tensions between the interim government-backed Commission and opposition parties, who view the recommendations as an attempt to reshape the political landscape in favour of certain actors while sidelining genuine pluralistic dialogue.
Salahuddin stopped short of detailing specific objections but warned that the party would not accept any measures that undermine democratic norms or alter the foundational agreements reached in July. “True national unity cannot be built on unilateral additions or hidden agendas,” he said.
The release of the Commission’s report comes at a sensitive juncture, as the country navigates a transitional political phase. The BNP’s strong reaction signals potential resistance to any reform agenda perceived as lacking broad-based legitimacy.
Political analysts suggest the controversy may further polarise an already fragmented political environment, raising questions about the feasibility of implementing the Commission’s roadmap without opposition buy-in.
The government has yet to issue an official response to the BNP’s remarks.