Staff Correspondent:

BNP Standing Committee member Salahuddin Ahmed on Thursday said that limiting the prime minister’s tenure to 10 years would help curb autocracy and fascism, expressing hope that the ongoing talks would lead to a national consensus on reforms.

“Many of you have spoken extensively about reforms here. But no one has expressed disappointment, as we are all optimistic,” he said at a discussion held at the National Press Club.

The BNP leader noted that the National Consensus Commission is taking considerable time to deliberate on the reform proposals. “But I believe we will be able to reach a consensus eventually,” he added.

He said the nation has already witnessed the BNP’s commitment to national interest in its pursuit of consensus. “We have proposed that no individual should serve as the prime minister of Bangladesh for more than 10 years. This measure is intended to prevent the rise of dictatorship and fascism.”

He added: “Isn’t it a significant achievement on our part that we have proposed limiting the prime minister’s term to 10 years?”

The BNP senior leader said that all constitutional and democratic institutions must be built on a strong foundation to safeguard democracy.

He emphasized that press freedom is essential to uphold and strengthen democracy. “A country where press freedom is ensured 100% is a country where democracy is 100%. All of us—political parties and the government—must work together to ensure press freedom.”

Salahuddin stressed that all branches of the state should be allowed to function independently within their legal and constitutional boundaries, rather than concentrating authority in any single entity.

“There should be harmonious cooperation among all branches of the state,” he said.