Dhaka: The second round of discussions between the National Consensus Commission (NCC) and the National Citizen Party (NCP) commenced at the LD Hall of the National Parliament at 10:00 am today. The meeting was presided over by NCC Vice Chairman Prof. Ali Riaz, with NCP Member Secretary Akhter Hossen presenting a set of reform proposals to initiate the dialogue.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the meeting saw attendance from several notable figures including NCC member Justice Emdadul Haque, Badiul Alam Majumder, Dr. Iftekharuzzaman, Safar Raj Hossain, Mohammad Ayub Miah, and special assistant to the Chief Adviser Monir Haider. Representing the NCP were the party’s northern region Chief Organizer Sarjis Alam and Joint Conveners Sarwar Tushar and Javed Rasin.
Akhter Hossen criticized the authoritarian legacy present in the state machinery over the past five decades, emphasizing the need for transitioning the constitution and state structure towards a democratic framework. He highlighted the goal of the meeting as a means to prevent a return to fascist frameworks, stressing the importance of balancing power, ensuring accountability, and promoting decentralization.
Hossen argued for the removal of authoritarian influences from the constitutional and state apparatus, depoliticization of key constitutional positions, and safeguarding judicial independence. He also mentioned that the NCP had submitted a comprehensive outline identifying key reform areas.
Prof. Riaz noted that progress had been made on several fronts and expressed optimism that the ongoing talks will resolve many unresolved issues. The NCC aims to conclude primary talks with political parties by May 15, with the second phase of talks to begin shortly thereafter.
The initial meeting between the NCC and the NCP took place on April 19, where discussions centered around proposals from the Constitution, Judiciary, and Election Reform Commissions. Commission sources indicate that today’s meeting is also expected to address pending discussions on recommendations from the Public Administration Reform Commission and the Anti-Corruption Commission Reform Commission.