TDS Desk:

Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB) Wednesday recommended that one person cannot serve as prime minister (PM) for more than two terms. Besides, in the country’s democratic practice, the same person cannot be the head of government (prime minister), party leader, and sangsad (JS – parliament) leader at the same time.

Dr. Iftekharuzzaman, executive director of the organization, presented the recommendations at a press conference organized at the TIB auditorium at Midas Center in the capital on Wednesday (August 28).

Recommendations on democratic practice include —

1. A parliamentary proportional representation system should be introduced to ensure real reflection of public opinion in Jatiya Sangsad (JS – National Parliament).
2. In order to ensure free, fair, impartial, and participatory elections, a non-party electoral interim government should be introduced for the National Assembly elections.
3. Amendments to the Representation of the People Order which curtailed the powers of the Election Commission should be repealed.
4. The same person cannot be the head of government (prime minister), party leader and sangsad leader at the same time.
5. A person cannot serve as Prime minister for more than two terms.
6. The Speaker has to conduct all activities of the Parliament free from party influence and avoid conflict of interest as the guardian of the Parliament.
7. The Deputy Speaker should be elected from the opposition party in the Parliament.
8. Article 70 of the Constitution should be amended to create an opportunity for lawmakers to criticize and vote against their party in all other areas, including legislation, except for no-confidence motions and budgets.
9. A framework for reforming political parties to establish internal democratic processes, transparency and accountability should be formulated.

The TIB recommends that the Interim Government must establish democracy and good governance and prevent corruption.