We applaud the country’s political parties for reaching broad consensus on a vital democratic reform: limiting any individual’s tenure as prime minister to a maximum of two terms in their lifetime. This agreement, reached through recent discussions with the National Consensus Commission, marks an important step towards curbing authoritarian tendencies and strengthening democratic governance.
We have seen that when a single person remains in power for too long, the risk of autocracy increases. Leadership should be renewed periodically to uphold democratic values and prevent the concentration of power.
A limit on tenure—whether by number of terms or total years—is a safeguard against dictatorship. The Election Reform Commission had initially proposed a two-term limit. This proposal has received support from the majority of political parties. Only three parties have submitted alternative suggestions. Most now agree that an individual should not serve as prime minister for more than ten years in their lifetime, regardless of how the time is divided.
We urge all political parties to continue dialogue to achieve full consensus. These ongoing discussions are a sign of growing political maturity and unity, essential for advancing Bangladesh’s democratic aspirations.
Limiting the prime minister’s tenure will help guard against autocratic and fascist tendencies. Significantly, the BNP has shown a willingness to compromise in the national interest by supporting the proposed limit. BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman has also advocated for a constitutional clause to prevent anyone from serving more than two consecutive terms as prime minister.
Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami has echoed this stance, stating that no individual should serve as prime minister for more than ten years. While limiting the executive’s power is crucial, it must not come at the expense of the broader democratic structure.
Limiting the prime
minister’s tenure will help guard against
autocratic and fascist tendencies
All three branches of the state—the executive, the legislature, and the judiciary—must be allowed to function independently within their constitutional boundaries. A democratic state relies on the separation of powers, mutual respect, and checks and balances among institutions.
A truly independent Election Commission is also essential. Only a neutral commission—ideally operating under a non-partisan government—can ensure free and fair elections. The rise of dictatorship can only be prevented if electoral processes remain transparent and credible. Reform must not aim to weaken any institution based on past excesses.
While dictatorship once emerged from an overly powerful executive, and at another time through the misuse of a parliamentary system, dismantling or limiting these institutions is not the solution. Rather, they should be strengthened and balanced to work in harmony with one another. We are witnessing a growing inclination to restrain the executive branch, driven by the efforts of the National Consensus Commission. However, we must be cautious not to overcorrect by undermining essential institutions.
Each organ of the state must be empowered to carry out its functions effectively: the executive must govern, the judiciary must uphold justice, and the legislature must enact laws. Only by ensuring independence and cooperation among all branches can a robust, democratic state be built. True reform lies not in diminishing the power of any institution but in fostering a balance that acts as a safeguard against abuse. We believe the proposed ten-year limit reflects the will of the people.
It is time for this to become a nationally endorsed provision, forming part of a broader constitutional reform. Precedents for such tenure limits exist in numerous countries. Bangladesh would do well to follow this path.
The nation stands on the threshold of a transformative agreement. With only two remaining points left for discussion, we are closer than ever to a meaningful consensus.
We think there should be a provision limiting any individual from serving as prime minister for more than two terms. This would represent a significant milestone for democratic practice in Bangladesh and would help pave the way towards political stability, institutional reform, and economic progress.
