Dhaka: National Consensus Commission (NCC) Vice-Chairman Ali Riaz today stated that all political parties are in unanimous agreement on reinstating the caretaker government, with most also supporting the establishment of a bicameral parliament. He added that there is a consensus on forming an independent investigation commission to address issues of genocide, repression, electoral fraud, and corruption involving officials.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Ali Riaz revealed these developments at a press conference held at the Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban, following the conclusion of the first phase of discussions between the National Consensus Commission and political parties. The discussions focused on the recommendations of the Constitutional Reform Commission, with unanimous agreement on re-establishing the caretaker government. However, most parties opposed the incorporation of “pluralism” in the proposed constitutional clause enshrining equality, human dignity, social justice, pluralism, and democracy as fundamental state principles.
There is general consensus on the other four principles, although many parties suggested additional issues for incorporation. Most parties agreed in principle to form a bicameral legislature, though some prefer retaining a unicameral system. On reserving 100 seats for women in the lower house, there is broad agreement, but opinions differ on implementation methods. Both proponents of a bicameral legislature and those favoring a unicameral system agree that the Deputy Speaker should be from the opposition.
Among parties supporting an upper house, there is agreement on a 100-member composition, but no consensus on the election method for these representatives. The recommendation of proportional representation received majority support, though not universally accepted. There is broad consensus on amending Article 48(a) of the Constitution, which outlines presidential powers, but diverging opinions on reforming Article 70, addressing the balance of power between the Prime Minister and the President.
Ali Riaz continued that most political parties agreed on mandatory party discipline in Parliament on specific matters such as the national budget, vote of confidence, and constitutional amendments. Some parties proposed expanding this scope to national security legislation. There is near-unanimous agreement on granting key parliamentary standing committee leadership to opposition members, including critical committees like the Public Accounts Committee.
Regarding the Public Administration Reform Commission’s recommendations, Ali Riaz noted broad support for forming an independent investigation commission to address issues related to the July uprising and acts of genocide and repression. All parties agreed on amending the ‘Right to Information Act, 2009’ and revising the Official Secrecy Act, 1923. There is also agreement in principle to restructure the Public Service Commission into three separate commissions.
On district and upazila-level ‘Citizen Committees’, political parties showed mixed reactions, but most agreed in principle to reestablish civil and criminal magistrate courts at the upazila level. There is widespread support for an independent Public Administration Reform Commission to oversee reform implementation, and most parties support the direct election of municipal chairmen.
Regarding the Anti-Corruption Commission Reform Commission, Ali Riaz stated that political parties broadly agree with its proposals, including enacting a law to prevent conflicts of interest and strengthening the Anti-Corruption Commission’s independence and transparency. There is near-unanimous support for granting constitutional recognition to the ACC. Most parties agree in principle with establishing an Anti-Corruption Ombudsman to ensure proper implementation of the National Anti-Corruption Strategy.
Ali Riaz highlighted unanimous agreement on automating government service delivery agencies and joining the Open Government Partnership to combat tax evasion and money laundering. All parties supported treating private sector bribery as a distinct criminal offense under the United Nations Convention Against Corruption.
Regarding judicial reform, all parties agreed in principle on separating the judiciary from the executive and giving the Supreme Court full authority over judges’ employment matters. There was consensus on considering political loyalty by judges as misconduct and introducing disciplinary measures. Most parties agreed in principle to abolish the President’s power to appoint the Chief Justice, empowering the most senior judge of the Appellate Division instead.
Ali Riaz noted agreement on proposals for a Judicial Council to formulate a code of conduct for former judges and to enact a ‘Presidential Clemency Law.’ There was also general agreement on establishing a Directorate for Legal Aid Services and amending relevant laws. However, the proposal to deny recognition to politically affiliated lawyer organizations received mixed reactions.
Regarding electoral reform, most parties agreed on a comprehensive law for the Election Commission and transferring local government election responsibilities to it. There was broad support for an independent Demarcation Authority for future boundary demarcations. Most parties supported provisions for investigating Election Commissioners who fail in their duties.
Ali Riaz stated the majority of parties supported bringing political parties under the Right to Information Act, 2009. There were mixed reactions to amending the International Crimes (Tribunals) Act and Representation of the People Order to bar individuals accused of crimes against humanity from elections. In October 2024, an interim government established six reform commissions, submitting their reports with recommendations in February 2025. The Chief Adviser formed a National Consensus Commission to engage in dialogue with political parties for consensus on key reforms and draft a National Charter. Between March 20 and May 19, 45 sessions were held with 33 political parties and alliances.