Dhaka: National Consensus Commission (NCC) Vice-Chairman Professor Ali Riaz announced that the public will soon be informed about key unresolved issues, which include reforms to the state structure. This move aims to assist citizens in their future decision-making processes.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Ali Riaz made these remarks during a discussion with members of civil society at the Krishibid Institution Bangladesh in the capital. He emphasized the importance of building consensus on fundamental and reform-related issues as part of drafting a national charter. He acknowledged the inevitability of differences due to the varied political and ideological stances of different parties, stating that it is unrealistic to expect consensus on every issue.
Riaz assured that the public would be informed about the issues lacking consensus. He highlighted the importance of transparency in earning public trust and securing cooperation in future political decisions. He stressed that the current period represents a crucial turning point in history, offering significant opportunities alongside formidable challenges, particularly in striving for institutional and structural reforms within the state framework.
Expressing optimism about society’s ability to seize this historic moment, Riaz reflected on the nation’s 53 years of efforts, marked by a 16-year struggle and sacrifices during events such as the July-August mass uprising. He expressed hope that everyone would strive for structural change from their respective positions and that the opinions shared by civil society representatives would support these efforts.
Riaz reiterated that reform must coincide with consensus and that the active involvement of civil society is essential for progress. He noted that the goal is to formulate a National Charter, ensuring that the insights shared during the discussion are incorporated into both the charter and the accompanying report.
The discussion was attended by commission members, including Dr. Badiul Alam Majumder, Safar Raj Hossain, Dr. Iftekharuzzaman, Dr. Md Ayub Mia, and Chief Adviser’s Special Assistant Monir Haider. Civil society representatives, led by Former Ambassador Humayun Kabir, included retired Supreme Court Appellate Division Justice Abdul Matin, security analyst Major General ANM Muniruzzaman, and several professors and human rights activists.