Participating in the Dialogue to Resist Autocracy: Salahuddin Ahmed

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News Desk: "We are participating in the dialogue to resist autocracy," stated Salahuddin Ahmed, a member of the BNP Standing Committee. He made this remark on Monday (28 July) during the 20th day of ongoing dialogue with political parties held at the Foreign Service Academy in the capital.

Earlier that day, BNP briefly walked out from the session of the National Consensus Commission’s dialogue. Addressing the issue, Salahuddin Ahmed said that the BNP is offering its full cooperation in the constitutional reform initiative to ensure that autocracy or fascism never returns to the country. However, he cautioned that curbing the powers of the executive branch could disrupt the balance of governance.

He noted, "It was our proposal that no one should remain Prime Minister for more than ten years — and that has been accepted. We also proposed the formation of an independent search committee for constituting the Election Commission, comprising representatives from the ruling party, opposition, and the judiciary. That, too, has been accepted."

Salahuddin further added, “We also proposed that if the caretaker government system is restored, then any future amendment passed by Parliament must go to a public referendum before receiving presidential approval. Its acceptance marks a significant step towards ensuring political stability in the country’s future.”

Despite these developments, Salahuddin expressed concern over the executive’s powers. “The executive must be accountable not only to Parliament but also to the people. However, if it holds responsibility without adequate authority, it cannot ensure effective governance,” he said.

He warned that binding the hands of the executive in appointing officials to constitutional and statutory bodies could pose future challenges. “The executive branch must be empowered — not weakened — to meet public expectations,” he stressed.

BNP reiterated that their participation in the dialogue is driven by constructive intentions. However, they also asserted that choosing not to engage or voicing disagreement where fundamental differences exist is part of democratic expression.

Salahuddin said, “No one expects consensus on every issue. Differences of opinion are natural, and it is through navigating those differences that democracy progresses.”

He concluded, “We do not believe dissenting opinions should be forced into consensus. True consensus means moving forward together. If BNP does not participate, the goal of national consensus remains incomplete.” He also confirmed that BNP will join future sessions of the dialogue and is committed to positive and meaningful discussions.

Context, On that day, at around 11:30 AM, as discussions began on the proposed appointment procedures for the Public Service Commission, Anti-Corruption Commission, Comptroller and Auditor General, and Ombudsman under the National Consensus Commission, BNP representatives Salahuddin Ahmed and Ismail Zabiullah walked out. They returned to the session at approximately 12:15 PM.