Dhaka: National Consensus Commission Vice-Chairman Professor Ali Riaz stated that the second round of talks has provided an essential opportunity for participants to better understand each other’s positions, especially following the differing opinions that emerged during the first round. He shared these insights at a press briefing after the third meeting of the second-round talks with various political parties, held at the Foreign Service Academy in the capital.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Professor Riaz emphasized that the initiation of the second-round talks was prompted by the differences of opinion that surfaced during the initial-stage discussions. He noted that while political parties expressed their positions separately in the first round, the second round has fostered an environment for mutual discussions. This environment, he remarked, allows parties to not only understand their own positions but also to gain insight into those of others. This exchange of views is aiding the commission’s progress.
Professor Riaz further explained that discussions with political parties today centered around two key issues: the National Constitutional Council (NCC) and the power of the President. He highlighted that political parties recognize the need for a constitutional institution to manage appointments to constitutional posts. Despite some differences of opinion among a few parties, there is a consensus on the necessity of a constitutional system.
He also mentioned ongoing discussions regarding two proposals for the Constitutional Reform Commission and the Electoral Reform Commission in the context of the presidential election. Furthermore, talks are underway about increasing the President’s power to achieve a balanced distribution of power, with discussions on these subjects set to continue.
Representatives from 30 political parties, including Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami, National Citizen Party (NCP), Gono Odhikar Parishad, Gonosanghati Andolan, Communist Party of Bangladesh (CPB), Biplobi Workers Party, and Amar Bangladesh (AB) Party, participated in today’s discussions. The commission is slated to continue talks with these political parties tomorrow.