United News of Bangladesh

National Consensus Commission Vice-Chairman Ali Riaz  on Saturday said a national consensus could be reached in a short time through dialogue with all political parties. “There are disagreements and different views among political parties but many of them share common opinions. All voices will be heard, and I hope we would be able to reach a national consensus through talks,” he said at a meeting with the Khelafat Majlish at the LD Hall of the Jatiya Sangsad in the morning. National charter aimed at ensuring sustainable democracy: Ali Riaz Ali Riaz said, "As part of this process, you (Khelafat Majlish) are participating. We have started working in a very short time. We could not allocate much time, but based on the sincere opinions you have provided, we will begin our discussions." He added that the dialogue would not be limited to their party alone but would also include other political parties. The National Consensus Commission opened its dialogue with political parties, starting with the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) on Thursday, aiming to build a national consensus on the reform initiatives undertaken by the interim government. The commission identified the crucial recommendations made in the reports of five reform commissions – the constitution reform commission, the public administration reform commission, the electoral system reform commission, the judiciary reform commission and the ACC reform commission – to seek opinions from the political parties. New charter to fulfill public aspiration for reform: Prof Ali Riazi Later, the commisson sent a set of recommendations in a spreadsheet format to 38 political parties asking them to send their specific opinions on the important reform recommendations by March 13. END/UNB/FH/SAM/1132 hrs  

Environment Adviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan said on Wednesday that the critical need for building consensus in national interest was essential. Gaining public trust required both political and policy consensus. To implement the necessary reforms for the welfare of the people, all stakeholders must work together with unity and commitment, she said after paying tribute to the martyrs of the Liberation War at the National Martyrs' Memorial in Savar on the occasion of Independence Day, according to a press release. BNP seeks clear election roadmap, criticises Dr Yunus for ambiguity The rising above partisan and personal interests to reach a national consensus was imperative. Despite differences in perspective, efforts to bridge these gaps and align for the greater national interest must continue, the adviser said. Strengthening the justice system was crucial in fostering public confidence, she added. Regarding the people’s expectations, she reaffirmed the commitment to ensuring free and fair elections. Rizwana said that delivering justice for the tragic killings that took place in July and August remained a significant challenge. "We are striving to ensure that through a proper judicial process, the public experiences a sense of justice and trust in the system.” All parties should prioritise the national interest and move forward with reforms in line with the people’s aspirations, she also said. Dr Yunus pays homage to Liberation War martyrs; vows reforms Over time, all stakeholders will come together to forge the necessary consensus for the nation’s progress, she added. She urged all concerned to work collectively in advancing this process.

National Consensus Commission Vice-Chairman Ali Riaz on Saturday said a national consensus could be achieved quickly through dialogue involving all political parties. "There are disagreements and differences of opinion among political parties, but many share common views. All voices will be heard, and I hope we can reach a national consensus through dialogue," he said during a meeting with the Khelafat Majlish at the LD Hall of the Jatiya Sangsad in the morning. Ali Riaz said, "As part of this process, you (Khelafat Majlish) are participating. We have begun our work within a short time and could not allocate much time. However, based on the sincere opinions you have shared, we will proceed with our discussions." Consensus Commission to hold meetings with 4 political parties before Eid: Ali Riaz He said the dialogue would not be limited to their party alone as it would also include other political parties. The National Consensus Commission opened its dialogues with political parties, starting with the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) on Thursday, aiming to build a national consensus on the reform initiatives undertaken by the interim government. The commission identified the crucial recommendations made in the reports of five reform commissions – the constitution reform commission, the public administration reform commission, the electoral system reform commission, the judiciary reform commission and the ACC reform commission – to seek opinions from the political parties. Consensus on reforms expected on time:Ali Riaz Later, the commission sent a set of recommendations in a spreadsheet format to 38 political parties asking them to send their specific opinions on the important reform recommendations by March 13.

The interim government has entered its second phase with the start of the National Consensus Commission's meeting with political parties to discuss the future direction of the country, said Chief Adviser’s Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam. Speaking to reporters outside the Foreign Service Academy during the Asr prayer break on Saturday, he said, “Today is a historic day as the meeting of political parties with the National Consensus Committee has begun.” He said around 100 politicians from 26 parties and alliances attended the meeting, with all invitees present. Political parties, National Consensus Commission to set Bangladesh's vision: Press Secretary During the meeting, the Chief Adviser said that the first phase of the government concluded after six months, and the second phase has now started. The government is working towards building a Bangladesh that enjoys the support of the international community, major global nations, the people of the country and even the full backing of the United Nations, Shafiqul Alam said. The Chief Adviser also highlighted the findings of the UN Human Rights Commission’s report on the July mass uprising, which revealed the horrific killings that occurred and identified those responsible. The report, he stated, also exposed the human rights violations that took place at that time. “The second journey of the government has begun today through this meeting and it will be decided through this meeting what kind of Bangladesh we want in the future,” the Press Secretary said. Earlier, major political parties, including the BNP and Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami, had begun their meeting with the National Consensus Commission, led by Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus, on Saturday. BNP, Jamaat, others start meeting with National Consensus Commission The meeting began at 3 pm at the Foreign Service Academy in the capital. This was the first meeting between political parties and the commission. Delegations from BNP, Jamaat-e-Islami, LDP, Jatiya Party (Kazi Jafar), Nagorik Oikya, Islami Andolan, Khilafat Majlish, GanoSanghati Andolan, Gono Odhhikar Parishad, and Jatiya Nagorik Committee participated in the meeting.

The interim government has sat in an all-party meeting to finalise the “July Declaration” based on a “national consensus”.    BNP Standing Committee member Salahuddin Ahmed and representatives of other political parties joined the meeting that started at 4:20 pm on Thursday at the Foreign Service Academy. Briefing media on Tuesday evening Adviser Mahfuj Alam said a document, reflecting the background and spirit of July uprising, will be drafted based on a consensus through Thursday’s meeting and it will be clear the same day when they will issue the declaration and how the government will play a role in issuing this. Reform commission urges action against police personnel linked to July-August killings  Earlier, the interim government initiated the process of preparing a declaration on the July uprising, based on a national consensus. According to the Chief Adviser’s (CA) press wing, the declaration will be adopted to solidify the unity of people forged through the July uprising, reflecting its anti-fascist spirit and the demand for state reforms. The draft will incorporate the views of all political parties and students, including those of the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement that spearheaded the mass uprising. Interim Govt to hold all-party conference over July Proclamation Thursday The declaration will articulate the perspective of the July uprising, the foundation of unity and the aspirations of people, the press wing noted. The government expressed optimism that the declaration will be prepared unanimously with participation from all stakeholders and subsequently presented to the nation.