Vice Chairman of the National Consensus Commission Prof Ali Riaz on Monday said the primary victory of democracy has been secured through the fleeing of the fascist ruler during the 2024 July-August uprising.

“The initial victory of democracy was ensured by the fleeing of the fascist ruler in the 2024 July-August mass uprising. Now, everyone must move forward with collective efforts to achieve the goal of victory,” he said at a dialogue with Ganatantrik Bam Oikya (an alliance of leftist political parties) at the LD Hall of the Jatiya Sangsad Complex.

A 20-member delegation, led by coordinator of the alliance and also convener of Social Democratic Party Abul Kalam Azad, joined the talks with the National Consensus Commission.

Chairing the discussion, Prof Ali Riaz said the people of Bangladesh have long aspired to establish a democratic state, and their struggles over the last 53 years reflect that enduring desire.

“Although that aspiration remains unfulfilled, people have consistently engaged in democratic movements,” he said.

Ali Riaz calls for structural reforms to build accountable state

Prof Ali Riaz said the National Consensus Commission aims to establish consensus whereas the responsibility of political parties and forces and the civil society in Bangladesh is to maintain the continuity of the democratic struggle and to strengthen this unity to build an accountable state.

"We are at a historic juncture. Such an opportunity has never come after the independence (of Bangladesh). So, it is the responsibility of all of us to realise the unfulfilled dream."

Consensus Commission members Justice Md Emdadul Haque, Dr Badiul Alam Majumdar, Safar Raj Hossain and Dr Iftekharuzzaman were present at the discussion moderated by Chief Adviser's Special Assistant Monir Haider.