The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) walked out of the National Consensus Commission (NCC) meeting on Monday during discussions about incorporating the appointment procedures of four key constitutional bodies into the Constitution.
However, after a brief absence, BNP representatives returned to the talks.
The walkout occurred shortly after 11:30 am at the Foreign Service Academy, where the 20th day of the second phase of the dialogue was underway.
As soon as the topic was introduced by Professor Ali Riaz, Vice Chairman of the NCC, BNP Standing Committee member Salahuddin Ahmed announced that his party would not participate in this discussion, and the BNP delegation left the room.
BNP had previously declared that it would not take part in discussions regarding the proposed constitutional inclusion of appointment procedures for the Public Service Commission (PSC), the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC), the Comptroller and Auditor General, and the Ombudsman. The party has been vocal in its opposition to enshrining these appointment processes in the Constitution.
Following BNP’s walkout, Ruhin Hossain Prince, General Secretary of the Communist Party of Bangladesh (CPB), questioned the validity of continuing discussions without the participation of a major party.
“How can consensus be reached if one party refuses to engage? Should we even continue this discussion?” he asked.
Responding to the concern, Professor Ali Riaz said: BNP had already made it clear that they would not be part of this discussion. The Commission cannot drop an agenda item solely because of one party’s stance. However, if the absence of a major party renders the discussion ineffective, the Commission will consider that.
Later, BNP representatives rejoined the meeting, though their stance on the appointment issue remained unchanged.
