United News of Bangladesh

The National Consensus Commission (NCC) on Wednesday started its 22nd session of second-round dialogues with political parties to reach decisions on several important reform issues, including the President's authority and responsibilities. The session began at 2:55pm at the Foreign Service Academy with NCC vice chair Prof Ali Riaz in the chair. Thirty political parties are taking part in the talks to present their respective positions on the proposed reforms. Several important reform issues, including the President’s responsibility and authority, women’s representation in parliament, and expansion of basic rights of the nationals, are being discussed in the 22nd session of the second-round dialogue. Political parties agree on forming independent police commission: Ali Riaz The Consensus Commission aims to finalise a unified stance on key reform proposals by Thursday (July 31) after completing discussions on 20 major reform issues during the ongoing second-round dialogue. The commission will finalise the July National Charter 2025 with the agreed proposals with a timeline for implementation of the state reform initiatives within the next two years reflecting the public aspirations demonstrated during the 2024 July-August Uprising.  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 held its first-round talks with the political parties and alliances between March 20 and May 19.

Political parties on Sunday reached a consensus over a proposal to change the emergency promulgation provision of the Constitution in a bid to prevent its misuse, according to a participant. The agreement came on the 12th day of the second-round reform dialogue of the National Consensus Commission with the political parties at the Foreign Service Academy in Dhaka. “A consensus has been reached on the emergency promulgation issue today,” Saiful Huq, general secretary of Revolutionary Workers Party of Bangladesh (RWPB) told UNB after emerging from the discussion. The Article 141(A) of the Constitution currently states that If the President is satisfied that a grave emergency exists in which the security or economic life of Bangladesh, or any part thereof, is threatened by war or external aggression or internal disturbance, he may issue a Proclamation of Emergency [for one hundred twenty days]. But provided that such Proclamation shall require for its validity the prior counter signature of the Prime Minister. Consensus Commission holds meeting with EC According to the new proposal, the Proclamation of Emergency can be issued for 90 days and ‘internal disturbance’ will be replaced by the threats towards independence, sovereignty and integration of the State. But such Proclamation shall require for its validity the prior approval of the Cabinet. The leader of the opposition or in his/her absence, the deputy leader of the opposition shall be invited to the Cabinet meeting to be held to endorse the decision to declare the emergency, said the proposal. The state of emergency can be extended for 30 days after the first 90 days, said Abul Hasan Rubel, executive coordinator of Ganasamhati Andolon, who also attended the meeting. During the emergency, two rights of any citizen shall not be undermined. These are – right to life: and right to protection from persecution, cruel, inhumane or defamatory behaviour or punishment.