United News of Bangladesh

Vice-Chairman of the National Consensus Commission Professor Ali Riaz on Monday said all are unlikely to reach a consensus on every aspect of state reforms and mentioned that the commission is making sincere efforts to avoid any misunderstandings or confusion. “We are striving to ensure that the proposals align with your (politicians’) views and aspirations,” said Dr Riaz while addressing the second round of discussion on its 10th day between the National Consensus Commission and political parties at the Foreign Service Academy in the capital. Representatives from various political parties, including the BNP and Jamaat-e-Islami, took part in the session with Prof Ali Riaz in the chair. Among the commission members present were Abdul Muyeed Chowdhury, head of the Public Administration Reform Commission; Safar Raj Hossain, head of the Police Reform Commission; Badiul Alam Majumdar, head of the Electoral System Reform Commission; Justice Emdadul Hoque, head of the Judicial Reform Commission; and Dr Iftekharuzzaman, head of the Anti-Corruption Commission Reform Commission. Dr Ali Riaz clarified that the commission’s proposals do not require unanimous agreement. “I have repeatedly said, we will not agree on everything. When engaging separately with parties, I have made this clear from the commission’s side,” he said. Citing examples, he mentioned that the proposal on forming a National Constitutional Commission (NCC) had faced objections from the majority of parties. In response, a revised proposal—not an entirely new one—was presented. “As everyone is stressing structural reforms, we are aligning with you on those fronts,” he added. On the matter of core principles, he said, “There was initial objection to the inclusion of pluralism, so it was not included in the second revised version. Similarly, the proposal from the Public Administration Reform Commission to form four provinces did not achieve consensus at this stage, so it was left out of discussion.” Hard-earned opportunity for reform shouldn’t be wasted: Ali Riaz Ali Riaz acknowledged that compromises had to be made. “We are proceeding by leaving out several issues because consensus cannot be reached on all of them. Still, we must focus on areas where agreement is possible,” he said. He added that progress had been made on some topics, while others remained under discussion or yet to be addressed. “Matters where preliminary consensus has already been reached have not been brought up today. While political positions may differ, there is a collective effort to find common ground. We are focusing on crucial issues and attempting to reach agreement,” he stated. Highlighting time constraints, Ali Riaz urged political parties to consider the importance of these discussions alongside their organisational commitments. “We had initially thought this would be the last meeting this week, allowing you to attend other engagements or informal consultations. But based on feedback from most parties, we will likely meet again once more this week,” he said. “Next week marks the death anniversaries of Shaheed Abu Sayed and Mugdha. Despite those programmes, we must find time to continue our discussions,” he added. Pointing at politicians, Dr Ali Riaz appealed for continued participation. “If you prioritise the commission’s meetings alongside your organisational activities, it will help us move forward.” He reaffirmed the commission’s commitment, saying, “After our talks with you, the commission will sit to review how to revise proposals in line with your positions. We will keep up this effort wholeheartedly to avoid misunderstandings and ensure the proposals reflect your inputs and expectations.”

National Consensus Commission Vice Chairman Prof Ali Riaz on Wednesday urged political parties to show flexibility on reform issues for the sake of the country and the nation in a bid to achieve the desired goal. “Please consider how we can all move forward, keeping the interests of the state and the nation above everything else. I’ve said time and again that you all have to make compromises (their party positions) here,” he said. Prof Riaz made the call in his introductory speech while presiding over the sixth day of the second-round talks of the National Consensus Commission in the capital. The discussion began around 11am at the Foreign Service Academy. Prof Riaz said progress has been achieved in some reform issues, while differences have been seen in some other issues during the discussion. “We must remember that we’ve come here (discussion table) through stepping over blood. We've come here in exchange for the sacrifice of many lives,” he said. Political parties, National Consensus Commission to set Bangladesh's vision: Press Secretary Noting that they have not come to the reform stage following a single day struggle, he said Bangladesh has arrived at this critical juncture after 16 years of continuous struggle, and a broader 53-year-long fight to establish democracy and an accountable state. “I have full trust and belief that we will reach our desired goal -- the formulation of a National Charter,” said Prof Riaz. Wednesday’s agenda includes discussions on the State's fundamental principles, the bicameral parliament (the electoral system for the upper house), formation of National Constitutional Council, the presidential election system and women representation in parliament. Leaders from around 30 political parties, including BNP, Jamaat-e-Islami and the National Citizen Party-NCP participated in the day’s dialogue to present their respective party positions on the proposed reforms. The session is being broadcast live by BTV News. On June 02, Chief Adviser and Commission Chairman Prof Muhammad Yunus opened the second round of dialogues. Formed on February 15, 2025, under the leadership of Chief Adviser Prof Yunus, the Commission was tasked with forging a unified national stance on crucial state reforms. The Commission launched its first round of dialogues on March 20 to build national consensus on the reform initiatives undertaken by the interim government. It held talks with 33 political parties and alliances, including BNP, Jamaat, and NCP, before concluding the first round on May 19. Following the dialogue, the National Consensus Commission will prepare and announce the July Charter (or reform charter) next month.