Dhaka: National Consensus Commission Vice Chairman Professor Dr. Ali Riaz announced that a clearly defined list of agreed-upon issues for state reform will be handed over to representatives of political parties by this afternoon. Speaking at the 22nd day of the second phase of discussions at the Foreign Service Academy’s Doel Hall in the capital, Ali Riaz stressed the urgency of the reform process.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Ali Riaz stated, “The topics that have received unambiguous agreement will be compiled into a document and distributed to all party delegates by the afternoon.” He further emphasized the need to accelerate the day’s discussions to finalize a Charter of Consensus for presentation the following day.
Ali Riaz also mentioned that different political parties had already shared their views on several issues, which were discussed during the morning session. The Commission’s internal evaluation is ongoing, with final decisions expected to be shared by tomorrow. Some items have already reached a conclusion, he noted.
He pointed out that the debate on women’s representation in Parliament remained incomplete, and discussions on presidential powers and responsibilities had not begun. Proposals regarding the expansion of citizens’ fundamental rights have been distributed separately, with requests for detailed feedback.
“In earlier dialogues, all parties were found to be in agreement on constitutional amendments, particularly in parts two and three, to enhance citizens’ rights,” he stated.
Ali Riaz also highlighted that five proposals previously submitted by the Commission were not fully agreed upon. However, the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) had clearly identified which recommendations from the Reform Commission reports they agreed with and opposed. He expressed gratitude to BNP for documenting their feedback, which assisted the Commission in refining the third section of constitutional proposals.
He mentioned that the Commission lacked the time and format for clause-by-clause discussion but had already shared the draft amendments. Political representatives were urged to submit any objections or revisions by tomorrow morning.
According to Commission sources, today’s agenda includes discussions on topics such as parliamentary representation for women, the Public Service Commission, the Anti-Corruption Commission, the Comptroller and Auditor General, ombudsman appointment procedures, Article 48(3) on presidential powers and responsibilities, the presidential election process, the electoral college, the structure and election of the upper house, the expansion of citizen rights, and the principles of governance.
As the topic of presidential powers was introduced for the first time today, Ali Riaz called upon delegates to resolve outstanding items through brief and focused discussions. Representatives from 30 political parties, including the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami, National Citizen Party (NCP), Gono Odhikar Parishad, Gonosonghoti Andolon, Communist Party of Bangladesh (CPB), Biplobi Workers Party, and Amar Bangladesh (AB) Party, joined the discussion.
Special Assistant to the Chief Adviser Monir Haider moderated the discussion, and Commission members Justice Md. Emdadul Haque, Dr. Iftekharuzzaman, Dr. Badiul Alam Majumdar, Safar Raj Hossain, and Dr. Md. Aiyub Mia were present. The discussion was broadcast live on Bangladesh Television (BTV).