NCP Urges BNP to Reconsider Stance on PSC, ACC Appointments

The National Citizens’ Party (NCP) has called on the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) to shift its political stance and support a constitutional proposal aimed at incorporating appointment committees for the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) and the Public Service Commission (PSC).

The statement was made by Akhtar Hossain, Member Secretary of the NCP, during a press briefing held on Monday, 28 July, at the Foreign Service Academy in Dhaka, following a session of the National Consensus Commission.

Points from NCP’s Statement

Akhtar Hossain stated:

“Although most parties agreed with the commission’s proposal, the BNP rejected the idea of including appointment committees for the PSC and ACC in the Constitution. We urge them to embrace a positive shift in approach—just as they revised their stance on the Election Commission.”

Background of the Proposal

Initially, the National Consensus Commission (NCC) proposed forming a nine-member National Constitutional Council (NCC), headed by the President. However, this faced objections from the BNP and several other parties. Subsequently, the proposal was revised to recommend a seven-member Appointment Committee led by the Prime Minister.

This revised committee would be responsible for appointments to constitutional bodies, including:

• Election Commission
• Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC)
• Public Service Commission (PSC)
• Human Rights Commission
• Other constitutional institutions

BNP’s Objection

Despite the revision, the BNP remained opposed, arguing that such a proposal would undermine the independence of the executive branch. The party insisted that:

1. Even if the Prime Minister’s term limit is accepted,
2. No constitutional provision should include any appointment committee.

NCP’s Response to BNP’s Concerns

Akhtar Hossain responded sharply to BNP’s arguments:

“Over the past five decades, every ruling party has politicised constitutional institutions. This has eroded their credibility and public trust. A non-partisan selection process is the only path to restoring faith in these bodies.”

He further stressed:

“Appointments should be based on merit and competence—not political loyalty. The ACC is now effectively under government control and is often seen as a tool to shield the ruling party while targeting the opposition. It must be made constitutionally protected, independent, and neutral.”

Constitutional Reform and Article 138

Hossain also highlighted the need to revise Article 138 of the Constitution, which currently authorises the President to make such appointments:

“It is high time we move beyond the current method of presidential appointments. Establishing a neutral scrutiny committee in the Constitution is not a radical shift—it marks the beginning of real accountability and good governance.”

NCP’s statements reflect a growing call within the political sphere for systemic reform of key institutions through constitutional safeguards and non-partisan mechanisms—even as differences persist with major parties like the BNP.