[🇧🇩] Consensus Commission.

[Saif]

Date of Event: Feb 5, 2025

Source : https://www.thedailystar.net/news/bangladesh/politics/news/consensus-commissions-first-meeting-mid-feb-3816246

Consensus commission’s first meeting in mid-Feb
6 commissions may submit full reports on February 8

Photo: BSS

The National Consensus Commission headed by Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus will start discussions with the political parties and stakeholders of the 2024 uprising in mid-February.


The date of the first meeting would be fixed in consultation with the political parties and stakeholders of the uprising, Law Adviser Asif Nazrul said yesterday after Prof Yunus held a meeting with the chiefs of six reform commissions.

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The six commissions are expected to submit their full reports on February 8. 8, after which their recommendations will be sent to the political parties for their consideration, according to Asif Nazrul.

He said the first meeting would be presided over by Prof Yunus at the Foreign Service Academy. The government hopes to continue the talks in Ramadan if possible, he added.​

 

[Saif]

Nat’l commission formed to build political consensus for reforms

The interim government has formed a seven-member ‘national consensus commission’ in a bid to build a consensus of political parties and forces on the recommendations submitted by six reform commissions.

www.newagebd.net

Nat’l commission formed to build political consensus for reforms
Staff Correspondent 13 February, 2025, 16:04

Professor Muhammad Yunus | File photo

The interim government has formed a seven-member ‘national consensus commission’ in a bid to build a consensus of political parties and forces on the recommendations submitted by six reform commissions.

The commission headed by chief adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus would begin work on February 15, a circular issued by the cabinet division Wednesday evening said.

Constitution reform commission chief Professor Ali Riaz was made the vice-president of the newly formed commission while public administration reform commission chief Abdul Muyeed Chowdhury, police reform commission chief Safar Raj Hossain, electoral reform commission chief Badiul Alam Majumder, judiciary reform commission member Justice Emdadul Hoque and Anti-Corruption Commission reform commission chief Iftekharuzzaman were made members of the Yunus-led commission.

According to the circular, the national consensus commission, within its six-month tenure, would hold discussions with political parties and forces and reach a consensus on reforms in electoral, police activities, judiciary, public administration, constitution, and anti-corruption drives.

‘The goal of the national consensus commission is to prepare a national charter agreed by the majority of the country’s political parties,’ said Ali Riaz on Thursday, while addressing a press conference on behalf of the constitution reform commission at Parliament premises in Dhaka.

The constitution reform commission chief said that the basis of the discussions would be the six reform commissions’ recommendations that were made public on February 8.

Replying to a question on what would be the immediate measures for the reforms in the constitution, he said that the constitution would be reformed step-by-step, instead of piecemeal solutions, following discussions with political parties.

The constitution reform commission recommended pluralism as one of the state’s fundamental principles and, Ali Riaz, as the commission chief, reminded that the state’s responsibility was to recognise and accommodate a maximum number of diversified thoughts, beliefs and views that exist in the country.

Regarding the recommendations for keeping state religion and, at the same time, pluralism in the constitution, he said, ‘The commission members had divided opinions about state religion. But we still considered going with it because of the contemporary political trends and feedback from the majority of political parties and common people.’

He said that they recommended lowering the eligibility age for contesting parliamentary elections from 25 years to 21 years to encourage young people to participate in policymaking.

Ali Riaz said that the constitution reform commission recommended a national constitutional council to ensure the accountability of both the treasury and opposition parties and to prevent autocracy in the future.

Constitution reform commission members Dhaka University’s law teachers Professor Sumaiya Khair and Professor Muhammad Ekramul Haque, lawyers Imran Siddique, Sharif Bhuiyan and Moin Alam Ferozi and writers Firoz Ahmed Md Mustahin Billah were also present.​

 

[Saif]

Consensus commission's first meeting with political parties tomorrow

Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus will hold the first of possibly many meetings with the political parties tomorrow (February 15) as part of interim government's efforts to build national consensus ahead of the next national election.

www.thedailystar.net

Consensus commission's first meeting with political parties tomorrow

File photo: STAR

Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus will hold the first of possibly many meetings with the political parties tomorrow (February 15) as part of interim government's efforts to build national consensus ahead of the next national election.

The first meeting of the national consensus-building commission, to be chaired by Prof Yunus, will be held from 3:00pm-5.30pm at the Foreign Service Academy, Chief Adviser's Deputy Press Secretary Apurba Jahangir told UNB today.

The chief adviser will deliver a speech at the meeting, he said.

Earlier, the government formed a seven-member National Consensus Commission to review and adopt the recommendations submitted by the six key reform commissions.

The members of the new commission are Prof Ali Riaz, head of the Constitutional Reform Commission; Abdul Muyeed Chowdhury, head of Public Administration Reform Commission; Safar Raj Hossain, head of Police Reform Commission; Badiul Alam Majumder, head of Election Reform Commission; Justice Emdadul Haque, head of Judiciary Reform Commission; and Dr Iftekharuzzaman, head of Anti-Corruption Reform Commission.

The commission will operate for six months starting from tomorrow (February 15).​

 

[Saif]

BNP to attend first meeting of National Consensus Commission

A BNP delegation, led by Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, will attend the meeting, BNP Media Cell member Shayrul Kabir Khan said today.

www.thedailystar.net

BNP to attend first meeting of National Consensus Commission

The BNP will participate in the first meeting of the National Consensus Commission tomorrow at 3:00pm.

The meeting will be chaired by Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus and will take place at the Foreign Service Academy on Bailey Road in Dhaka.

A BNP delegation, led by Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, will attend the meeting, BNP Media Cell member Shayrul Kabir Khan said today.

Representatives from other political parties are also expected to participate.

On Thursday, the government formed a seven-member National Consensus Commission to review and adopt the recommendations submitted by the six key reform commissions.

The Cabinet Division announced the formation of the commission in a notification. Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus had earlier said he would lead this commission.

The members of the new commission are Prof Ali Riaz, head of the Constitutional Reform Commission; Abdul Muyeed Chowdhury, head of Public Administration Reform Commission; Safar Raj Hossain, head of Police Reform Commission; Badiul Alam Majumder, head of Election Reform Commission; Justice Emdadul Haque, head of Judiciary Reform Commission; and Dr Iftekharuzzaman, head of Anti-Corruption Reform Commission.

The commission will operate for six months after commencing its work on February 15. Following its deliberations, the commission will submit recommendations for necessary actions. Its primary mandate is to engage with political parties and stakeholders of the 2024 uprising to build a national consensus on reforms related to elections, public administration, the judiciary, anti-corruption measures, and police activities.

The Chief Adviser's Office will manage the commission's secretarial duties, while the government will determine the commission's office location.​

 

[Saif]

National charter likely to be prepared in six months

The interim government will prepare a ‘national charter’ within six months based on the national consensus on reforms among the political parties.

www.newagebd.net

National charter likely to be prepared in six months
Staff Correspondent 15 February, 2025, 23:55

The National Consensus Commission holds its first meeting, chaired by chief adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus, with political parties at the Foreign Service Academy in Dhaka on Saturday. | Star Mail photo

Some political parties demand national election first, ban of AL

The interim government will prepare a ‘national charter’ within six months based on the national consensus on reforms among the political parties.

Besides, the National Consensus Commission will hold a series of dialogues with political parties to finalise the ‘national charter’.

The decisions were taken at the first meeting between the National Consensus Commission and political parties and alliances on Saturday.

The meeting was held at the Foreign Service Academy in Dhaka with the commission’s head and chief adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus in the chair, sources present in the meeting said.

Around 100 politicians from 27 political parties and alliances, including the Bangladesh Nationalist Party, Anti-Discrimination Student Movement, Jatiya Nagarik Committee and Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami, attended the meeting.

Leaders of most of the political parties at the meeting urged the interim government not to hold local government elections before the national election.

They also urged for holding the next national election after necessary reforms.

Some of the parties, especially Jatiya Nagarik Committee led by students, also urged the government to take measures to ban the Awami League for crimes against humanity.

National Consensus Commission vice-chairman Professor Ali Riaz told journalists that separate meetings regarding the reports of the reform commissions would be held with political parties soon.

He said that all political parties in Saturday’s meeting had agreed that there was no alternative to national unity in the current situation of the country.

He said that all the parties had even agreed to cooperate with the interim government in carrying out the reform programs. ‘We think that the responsibility of each of the political parties is to take our reform programs forward,’ he said.

‘We want to reach a consensus as soon as possible through dialogues. But, since we are sending the reports of the six commissions to the political parties, they need some time to review them,’ he said.

‘We will talk to the political parties separately. We do not want to prolong the process,’ he said.

BNP secretary general Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, addressing the meeting, demanded full reports of the six reform commissions and informed the meeting that their party would give opinion after conducting a study on the reports, sources present in the meeting said.

The BNP leader, after attending the meeting, said to journalists, ‘we hope that a minimum consensus on this reform will be reached very soon and that the national election, based on the consensus, will be held very soon. This is our expectation.’

In response to a question, he reiterated that they had already made it clear that the national election must be held first and local government elections will be held then.

Jatiya Nagarik Committee convener Nasiruddin Patwari said that they told the meeting that the ‘July Charter’, or the ‘national charter’, would have to be formulated through legal process.

He said that his party thought that the Constituent Assembly, national election and reforms could go together.

The people of the country will get freedom through a new constitution through the Constituent Assembly, he said.

Revolutionary Workers Party general secretary and Ganatantra Mancha coordinator Saiful Huq told New Age that they had told the interim government to continue their works on three main issues – completing some essential reforms, holding trials of the fascists, and arranging the next general election within justified time as early as possible.

‘Moreover, we proposed the interim government to form another commission to remove discriminations, especially economic discriminations,’ he added.

Hasnat Abdullah, the convener of the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement, said that they had proposed to cancel the registration of the Awami League as the first step towards banning the party.

Socialist Party of Bangladesh general secretary Bazlur Rashid Firoz, after attending the meeting, told New Age that they had proposed that the next general elections should be held as early as possible in a free, fair and credible manner for the democratic transition of the country.

SPB also demanded the publication of a white paper on the six months’ rule of the interim government, he said.

Jamaat’s nayeb-e-ameer Syed Abdullah Mohammad Taher told journalists that they told the meeting that reforms were necessary and should be implemented first before the national election.

Islami Andolan Bangladesh’s senior presidium member Mosaddek Billah said that they suggested holding necessary reform first and holding the election through a proportional representation system and ensuring the trial of the AL before the election.

Gono Odhikar Parishad president Nurul Haque Nur said that they told the meeting that the local government election should be held quickly as the local government system remained inactive for the past six months.​

 

[Saif]

We don’t want a prolonged process in reaching consensus: Ali Riaz

National Consensus Commission Vice-Chairman Prof Ali Riaz on Saturday said that efforts will be made to establish a consensus among political parties as swiftly as possible, aiming to move towards the national election. He made the remarks following a meeting of the National Consensus Commission,

thefinancialexpress.com.bd

We don’t want a prolonged process in reaching consensus: Ali Riaz
UNB
Published :
Feb 15, 2025 21:16
Updated :
Feb 15, 2025 21:16

National Consensus Commission Vice-Chairman Prof Ali Riaz on Saturday said that efforts will be made to establish a consensus among political parties as swiftly as possible, aiming to move towards the national election.

He made the remarks following a meeting of the National Consensus Commission, led by Chief Adviser Dr Muhammad Yunus, with all political parties at the Foreign Service Academy in the capital.

Ali Riaz said, "Today, on behalf of the National Consensus Commission, we sat with all political parties. Our objective was to formally initiate the commission's work. We had requested political parties to send their representatives so that they could not only familiarise themselves with one another but also express their respective views."

He clarified that the meeting was not intended to serve as a dialogue but rather to discuss the framework of the commission's process. "In essence, we consider this meeting as an official inauguration. A total of 27 political parties were present today, with more than a hundred representatives from different parties and coalitions participating. Among them, 32 people spoke at the meeting," he added.

As the head of the Constitutional Reform Commission, Riaz said that political parties have strongly emphasised that there is no alternative to national unity.

"They have demonstrated their commitment to the reform process and have expressed their willingness to support, assist, and participate in the initiatives of the National Consensus Commission and the interim government," he said.

He went on to say, "This strong stance taken by political parties substantiates the remarks of Chief Adviser and Commission Head Dr Muhammad Yunus, who has said that every political party, citizen, and section of society has a responsibility to ensure the smooth progress of the reform process."

"With that objective in mind, today's meeting was convened. We are hopeful that the National Consensus Commission’s work will now commence. We will engage in separate discussions with political parties, as well as hold talks with alliances collectively. Eventually, we will reconvene everyone. We do not wish to prolong this process unnecessarily and expect to complete it within a short period. Political parties have been requested to submit hard copies of their reform reports, and we will take prompt action in this regard," he added.

About concerns over delays, Riaz asserted that there was no hesitation among political parties in achieving consensus. "We are optimistic that we will be able to advance this process effectively."

When asked about the estimated duration for concluding these discussions, he said, "The commission's tenure is six months. Our objective is to reach a consensus as soon as possible. However, since political parties will require time to review the reports of the six commissions, we aim to expedite the process while ensuring that reforms move forward and consensus is reached in preparation for the elections."

In response to whether this will be accomplished within six months, he said, "We are hopeful that it can be completed in less than the stipulated time. Political parties have expressed interest, but this will not happen abruptly. We have received the reports, and the political parties will review them thoroughly. They must be given ample time. While this will require some time, we are committed to beginning the discussions and negotiations as soon as possible."​

 

[Saif]

National unity alone can ensure stability and desired reforms

The previous government left the country’s economy and governance system in a fragile state.

www.thedailystar.net

National unity alone can ensure stability and desired reforms

Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus speaks at a views-exchange meeting with the leaders of different political parties at the capital’s Foreign Service Academy on December 4, 2024. Photo: PID

In August 2024, the chief adviser of the interim government said in his speech, "We are one family. We have one goal. We are committed to fulfilling the aspirations of our youth, and we are ready to take on this challenge." This statement reflected his concern that if national unity collapsed, the achievements of the mass uprising could be lost. That very concern is now becoming evident.

Since taking over the country's governance, the interim government has faced disruptions to public life from more than 170 movements driven by diverse vested interests. This wave of demonstrations arises from the perceived weakness of the interim administration, marked by fractured state institutions and the absence of a political party's organisational strength. Protesters have exploited this vulnerability to push their demands—some legitimate, others serving personal agendas—at a time when maintaining national unity is more critical than ever. Since independence, political parties have weaponised divisive ideologies such as the "spirit of independence," "Bengali vs Bangladeshi," and "Pro-India vs Pro-Pakistan." Although these differences are minimal in reality, they have been exaggerated to serve political agendas. This deliberate polarisation has kept Bangladesh trapped in a cycle of disunity and stagnation. Oxford development economist Paul Collier refers to such situations as a "Conflict Trap," where persistent division severely restricts a society's potential for progress. To break free from this cycle, the country's politics must prioritise public welfare over divisive narratives.

The previous government left the country's economy and governance system in a fragile state. Due to the inefficiency of state institutions and the perceived weakness of the government, the law-and-order situation has deteriorated, commodity prices have soared, and extortion has become rampant. Continuous street protests threaten to paralyse public order, further worsening an already fragile situation.

When the interim government was formed, many hoped it would steer the country towards stability. However, six months down the line, that optimism has faded. Even the chief adviser recently acknowledged growing concerns over the government's ability to manage the crisis.

Political theorists have long argued that while governments enforce laws, citizens must uphold them, and political parties should act as a bridge between the state and the people. The current crisis has revealed weaknesses in all three areas.

The interim government has taken on the responsibility of managing a weakened state, where law enforcement, the judiciary, and public administration were dismantled by previous rulers. These institutions require extensive reforms, which cannot be achieved in the short term. Given this, the government must engage in open dialogue with political parties, civil society, and key stakeholders to present a clear roadmap for necessary reforms and announce a specific date for national elections. It appears the government is moving in that direction.

The country faces severe law and order challenges due to the lack of an impartial and effective police force. Currently, the police-to-population ratio in Bangladesh is significantly inadequate. To meet effective policing standards, Bangladesh needs to recruit a substantial number of additional police personnel. However, since such an expansion cannot happen overnight, deploying other disciplined forces is necessary to manage the country's current crisis.

Military forces with expanded authority have been deployed, but their numbers remain limited for policing duties due to their primary defense responsibilities. Paramilitary groups such as the Ansars, the Village Defence Party (VDP), and the Bangladesh National Cadet Corps (BNCC), along with retired military and law enforcement personnel, can play a vital role in maintaining public order. The VDP alone consists of thousands of trained individuals with strong grassroots connections, making it particularly well-suited to managing law and order in upazilas and rural areas.

Finally, the performance of the advisers within the interim government must be critically assessed. Formed hastily amid a national crisis, the government, now after six months in power, must identify and replace underperforming advisers with competent, results-driven individuals.

Political parties must move beyond verbal support and actively assist the government. While insisting on a definitive election date is logical, political parties must play an active role in resolving several critical national issues—improving law and order being one of them.

During Durga Puja, political parties played a commendable role in protecting Hindu temples. A similar model could be adopted to combat extortion, highway robbery, and the activities of teenage gangs through community policing initiatives. This would have the added benefit of increasing public support for the parties, which would help them in the next election.

Recent protests by students, bureaucrats, and labour unions have prioritised narrow interests over national stability, disrupting public life. Political parties, leveraging their networks within these groups, should mediate these grievances through constructive dialogue, ensuring short-term demands do not aggravate the current crisis.

A political party that claims broad public support must demonstrate it by actively engaging with all segments of society to improve current conditions. Failing to do so weakens its credibility and casts doubt on its ability to lead a future government. With public scrutiny at its peak, the party's actions today will significantly shape voter sentiment in upcoming elections.

Leaders of the anti-discrimination student movement played a crucial role in recent political events and must now set a clear, purposeful direction. Forming a party with government support would merely repeat past mistakes. Instead, they should prioritise a long-term vision focused on addressing the root causes of underdevelopment. The most effective reform lies in fostering a politically aware and engaged citizenry—transforming individuals into active citizens. Although this is a lengthy process, it remains the only sustainable solution.

Thus, the primary aim of a new political party formed by students should be to spearhead systemic reforms by confronting colonial-era structures that hinder effective governance. Their most significant role would be to educate grassroots communities, fostering socio-political awareness and mobilising citizens to stand against injustice, corruption, and deep-rooted misgovernance. By choosing to remain in opposition rather than pursuing power, they can serve as an effective watchdog—ensuring government accountability without becoming entangled in it. Bangladesh is at a critical juncture. The August 5 movement has highlighted the urgent need for structural reform, but achieving this will require the active participation of all stakeholders. Playing the blame game will not resolve the crisis. The country's future depends on shared responsibility, strategic reforms, and a commitment to unity. If the interim government fails, it will not be their failure alone—it will be a collective failure of the political class, civil society, and the people. Only a unified, pragmatic approach can enable Bangladesh to break free from the cycle of conflict and division. The time to act is now.

Saifur Rahman is a senior IT specialist and certified professional.​

 

[Saif]

Time to set aside partisan interests

Building consensus on key reform proposals is the main challenge

www.thedailystar.net

Time to set aside partisan interests
Building consensus on key reform proposals is the main challenge

VISUAL: STAR

We welcome the initiation of the official process to build consensus on the proposals submitted by six key reform commissions, with Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus calling it the start of the "second phase" of the interim government. Earlier, when four of the six commission reports were submitted in mid-January, Prof Yunus took a similarly upbeat view of it alluding to a "new chapter" for the nation. Indeed, the first meeting of the National Consensus Commission, attended by some 100 representatives from 26 political parties and alliances, was all about reaffirming the commitment to state reform in line with the spirit of the July uprising, as well as determining the process of consensus building. At the end of this process, there will be a charter based on discussions with political parties and civil society, which will serve as a roadmap for executing the reforms.

The significance of undertaking this process properly cannot be overstated. Prof Ali Riaz, co-chair of the seven-member consensus commission, has stated that dialogues will be held with all political parties individually and in groups, including "unofficial discussions." He also signalled that even though the commission has been given six months, their goal is to reach consensus as soon as possible. Summaries of the six reports have already been shared with political parties for review and feedback. Reportedly, there will be a methodical approach to collecting feedback. One participant at Saturday's meeting told Prothom Alo that mention was made of a website where the reform proposals would be published and political parties can mark "yes" or "no" on each, ensuring transparency and accountability in the process.

That said, we think it is important that the reform proposals are categorised based on feasibility and urgency. For example, certain proposals—such as improving electoral integrity, ensuring transparent governance, or curtailing the prime minister's powers—already enjoy broad consensus. Others—such as constitutional amendments or restructuring key institutions—may require prolonged deliberation and public endorsement. It is also essential to separate short-term, easily implementable reforms from those requiring long-term structural changes. However, the greatest challenge will be in reaching consensus on the most critical reforms. This is where political parties must demonstrate their commitment by prioritising national interests over partisan agenda.

Unfortunately, consensus-building has historically been fraught and elusive in Bangladesh's politics. When the BNP secretary general refers to a "minimum consensus" as a baseline for wrapping up this process, leading to the next elections, it further raises questions about its success. We, therefore, urge political parties to engage in the reform dialogue with the sincerity and compromise it demands, because without political buy-in and constructive engagement, even the most well-intentioned reform initiatives may falter. They must rise above their differences, partisanship, and adversarial postures for the sake of a "new Bangladesh" that truly reflects the aspirations of those who fought and sacrificed during the July uprising. The ball is in their court now.​

 

[Saif]

Consensus commission to seek political party feedback on reform proposals

The National Consensus Commission is set to gather feedback from political parties on which reform proposals are agreed, partially agreed, and not agreed.

www.newagebd.net

Consensus commission to seek political party feedback on reform proposals
Staff Correspondent 02 March, 2025, 00:16

The National Consensus Commission is set to gather feedback from political parties on which reform proposals are agreed, partially agreed, and not agreed.

Formed on 12 February, the NCC has been tasked with drafting the national consensus charter, or July Charter, —an agreement among political parties—particularly concerning reform proposals on the constitution, electoral system, judiciary, police, public administration, and the Anti-Corruption Commission.

One of the NCC members, preferring anonymity, on Saturday told New Age that the schedule for the next NCC meeting would be finalised after collecting the political parties’ responses to reform proposals.

The chief adviser’s press secretary, Shafiqul Alam, replying to a question at a press briefing at the Foreign Service Academy in Dhaka on the day said that the NCC’s dialogue with political parties would begin soon.

As part of the political consensus-building process, the NCC would email a questionnaire to political parties in the next couple of days, the National Consensus Commission member said.

Around 150 questions would be sent to the parties to gather their feedback on which recommendations they agree with, partially agree with or disagree with, he said.

The full reports of six reform commissions were made public on February 8.

By February 21, at least 28 political parties and alliances had received hard copies of the reports for review.

The NCC member said that the political parties are expected to provide their feedback within a week of receiving the questionnaire.

Once all parties’ responses are collected, the schedule for the next NCC meeting will be finalised, the member added.

The interim government’s chief adviser, Professor Muhammad Yunus, who also serves as NCC chairman, chaired the first NCC meeting on February 15.​

 

[Saif]

Consensus commission: Parties asked to give opinions on reforms

The National Consensus Commission has sent a letter to political parties, seeking their opinions on key recommendations made by six reform commissions.

www.thedailystar.net

Consensus commission: Parties asked to give opinions on reforms
Spreadsheet handed to them with March 13 as deadline

The National Consensus Commission has sent a letter to political parties, seeking their opinions on key recommendations made by six reform commissions.

The parties have been requested to submit their feedback in a spreadsheet attached to the letter by March 13.

After receiving their responses, the commission will sit with each political party separately, Prof Ali Riaz, vice-chairman of the National Consensus Commission, told The Daily Star last night.

The letter signed by Prof Riaz contains a tabular format summary of the key recommendations of the six reform commissions, according to sources.

The parties have been asked to provide feedback on two aspects for each recommendation.

The first aspect is whether they agree with the recommendation.

They have been given three options: "Agree", "Disagree", and "Partially Agree". Each party must select one of these options to express their stance.

The second aspect is their opinion on the timeline and method of implementation of each recommendation.

There are six options to choose from: implementation through an ordinance before election, implementation through a referendum before election, implementation through a referendum during the election, implementation through a constituent assembly, implementation through constitutional reform after election, or implementation through both a constituent assembly and a legislature. Additionally, a comment section has been provided next to each recommendation for the parties to express their views.

Monir Haider, special assistant (consensus) to the chief adviser, is coordinating this initiative.

Among the recommendations for which political parties' opinions have been sought are appointment of the chief election commissioner and election commissioners based on political consensus and transparency, enacting a law to clarify the responsibilities, powers, and accountability of the Election Commission, and establishing a permanent national constitutional council for appointing officials in all constitutional bodies, including the Election Commission.

Other proposals include putting a two-term limit on prime ministers, making a two-time elected prime minister ineligible for the presidency, and prohibiting the same person from simultaneously holding the positions of party chief, prime minister, and leader of parliament. The creation of an upper house in parliament with 100 seats allocated proportionally, and offering the deputy speaker position to the opposition party have also been proposed.

Additionally, it has been suggested that a lower house of parliament be formed with 400 members, including 100 reserved seats for women who will be elected directly.

There is also a proposal to elect a nonpartisan, honest, competent, and reputable individual as president through a larger electoral college consisting of members of both houses of parliament and all local government representatives.

Other recommendations include holding local government polls before national elections, making the Election Commission accountable, and amending the International Crimes Tribunal Act and the Representation of the People Order to prevent individuals accused of crimes against humanity from contesting parliamentary elections.

After the fall of the Awami League regime in August last year, the interim government led by Prof Muhammad Yunus formed six reform commissions in early October, covering key areas such as the constitution, electoral system, public administration, police, Anti-Corruption Commission, and the judiciary.

These six commissions published their final reports in February. Subsequently, the government formed the National Consensus Commission, headed by Prof Yunus and comprising the heads of the six reform commissions.

The Consensus Commission will come up with a charter based on the reform proposals that will gain political consensus.​

 

[Saif]

FEEDBACK ON NATIONAL CONSENSUS: Major parties set to miss deadline

Major political parties, including the Bangladesh Nationalist Party and the Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami, are set to miss the deadline for submitting their feedback to the National Consensus Commission’s multiple-choice questionnaire on key reforms...

www.newagebd.net

FEEDBACK ON NATIONAL CONSENSUS: Major parties set to miss deadline
Sadiqur Rahman 12 March, 2025, 23:36

Major political parties, including the Bangladesh Nationalist Party and the Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami, are set to miss the deadline for submitting their feedback to the National Consensus Commission’s multiple-choice questionnaire on key reforms.

The deadline expires today.

Most of the parties said that they would take time to submit their feedback while some of the parties said that they would issue statements instead of submitting answers to the NCC questionnaire at all.

The Bangladesh Samajtantrik Dal-Jasad and the Islami Andolan Bangladesh said that they would submit the answers to the NCC questions today.

The NCC, formed led by chief adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus on February 12 to adopt reform commissions’ proposals through consensus among the political parties, on March 5 sent 166 multiple-choice questions to 34 political parties and alliances, seeking their answers by March 13.

The NCC questionnaire sent to political parties requires them to place a ‘tick mark’ to indicate whether they agree, partially agree or disagree with 166 specific recommendations.

It also seeks their views on whether the proposed reforms should be implemented via ordinance or referendum before the national election.

Alternatively, it seeks opinions on carrying out reforms through a referendum during the election, a constituent assembly, post-election constitutional amendments or through elected assembly and parliament members.

BNP standing committee member Salah Uddin Ahmed said, ‘Only answering the multiple-choice questions using tick marks will create confusion. That’s why we will review all the recommendations by six reform commissions to answer the questions and submit a review report to the commission within a few days.’

Six reform commissions on constitution, electoral, police, judicial, public administration and Anti-Corruption Commission submitted their full reports to the interim government on January 15.

The reports were made public on February 8.

Salah Uddin Ahmed said that the BNP would consider the political perspectives of its allies in finalising the party’s review report on reform proposals.

Jamaat-e-Islami secretary general Mia Golam Parwar said on Wednesday that his party leaders discussed the NCC questionnaire but were yet to finalise the answers.

‘We will sit on Thursday to chalk out the answers. Hopefully, we will send our feedback in two to three days,’ he said.

Newly flouted National Citizen Party joint convener Sarwar Tushar said that his party leaders had discussed the questionnaire but would not send the answers to the NCC today.

‘We will respond to the NCC in a few days,’ Sarwar said.

The multiple-choice questionnaire, however, irked several politicians in the left block. They said that political consensus would not be created by answering only a set of multiple-choice questions.

Some of them said that the NCC could host a series of discussions with political parties regularly instead of sending a questionnaire.

Iqbal Kabir Zahid, the coordinator of the Left Democratic Alliance, said that seeking political parties’ ‘tick-mark’ answers on the crucial reform proposals seems inappropriate.

‘We will not submit the answers to the multiple-choice questions. But, we will send a joint-statement of the left parties on the reforms soon,’ Iqbal said.

LDA is an alliance of the Communist Party of Bangladesh, the Socialist Party of Bangladesh, the Socialist Party of Bangladesh (Marxist), the Biplobi Communist League, the Ganatantrik Biplobi Party and the Samajtantrik Party.

CPB general secretary Ruhin Hossain Prince on Wednesday said that his party would issue a statement on overall reforms after a few days instead of answering to the NCC questions.

Gana Adhikar Parishad faction general secretary Rashed Khan said that the NCC was not active in lessening the distances among the political parties, which, he believes, was more crucial than knowing answers to a set of multiple-choice questions.

‘However, we will respond to the NCC soon,’ Rashed said.

Bangladesh Samajtantrik Dal-Jasad presidium member Mushtuq Husain said that his party had already prepared the answers and would send them to the NCC today.

The Islami Andolan Bangladesh secretary general Yunus Ahmed Sheikh said that his party would also submit the feedback to the NCC today.

Addressing a press conference on Monday, NCC vice-chairman Professor Ali Riaz said that the commission would hold a series of dialogues with political parties soon after receiving their feedback.

The NCC is assigned to draft a political consensus-based ‘National Charter’ by July 15.​

 

[Saif]

NATIONAL CONSENSUS COMMISSION: Only 7 parties give feedback

The National Consensus Commission will extend the deadline for receiving opinions on key reform proposals made by different commissions, as only seven out of the 37 political parties which were requested to give opinions, had responded to the NCC’s call by Thursday.

www.newagebd.net

NATIONAL CONSENSUS COMMISSION: Only 7 parties give feedback
Staff Correspondent 13 March, 2025, 23:45

The National Consensus Commission will extend the deadline for receiving opinions on key reform proposals made by different commissions, as only seven out of the 37 political parties which were requested to give opinions, had responded to the NCC’s call by Thursday.

In a letter dated March 5 to the political parties, the commission set March 13 as the deadline.

According to the commission’s press note released on Thursday afternoon, 16 political parties had requested an extension to the deadline for submitting their opinions on the recommendations.

Commission officials, however, did not disclose which parties had responded on time and which had requested a time extension.

However, Monir Haidar, the reforms-related special assistant to the chief adviser of the interim government, said that the commission would consider extending the deadline.

‘Major political parties, including the Bangladesh Nationalist Party and Jamaat-e-Islami and the newly launched National Citizen Party, have requested an extension to the deadline,’ Monir told New Age on Thursday.

On March 6, the commission dispatched a 166-point questionnaire to the 37 political parties, aiming to gather their views on key reform proposals relating to the constitution, electoral process, judiciary, public administration and the Anti-Corruption Commission.

The questionnaire required respondents to place a ‘tick mark’ to indicate whether they agree, partially agree, or disagree with each of the 166 specific recommendations.

It also sought their views on whether the proposed reforms should be implemented through ordinance or referendum before the national election.

It invited opinions on whether the reforms should be carried out through a referendum, a constituent assembly, post-election constitutional amendments, or through elected assembly and parliamentary members.

Addressing a press conference on Monday, the commission’s vice-chairman, Ali Riaz, said that the commission would begin dialogues with political parties shortly after receiving their feedback.

Commenting on the dialogue schedule, Monir said that commission members would discuss the matter on March 16.

‘Hopefully, the commission will commence dialogues with individual political parties in the coming week,’ he said.​

 

[Saif]

Consensus Commission's dialogue with political parties to begin Thursday

The National Consensus Commission is set to begin its dialogues with political parties, starting with the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) on Thursday, aiming to build a national consensus on the reform initiatives undertaken by the interim government.

en.prothomalo.com

Consensus Commission's dialogue with political parties to begin Thursday
BSS
Dhaka
Published: 18 Mar 2025, 20: 11

The National Consensus Commission is set to begin its dialogues with political parties, starting with the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) on Thursday, aiming to build a national consensus on the reform initiatives undertaken by the interim government.

The meeting with the LDP is scheduled for 3:00 pm on Thursday, according to a press release.

The commission will later announce the schedule for talks with other political parties in phases.

Meanwhile, two more political parties – Jatiya Ganofront and Jatiya Samajtantrik Dal (JSD) – submitted their views on the reform recommendations to the National Consensus Commission on Tuesday.

With the two parties, a total of 15 political parties have so far submitted their opinions, but major political parties, including BNP and Jamaat, are yet to send theirs.

The 15 parties are Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), Khelafat Majlish, Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam Bangladesh, Zaker Party, Bhasani Onusari Parishad, Nationalist Democratic Movement (NDM), Amjanatar Dal, Rashtra Sanskar Andolon, Bangladesh Jatiya Samajtantrik Dal-Bangladesh Jasad, Bangladesh Labour Party, Bangladesh Khelafat Majlish, Amar Bangladesh Party (AB Party), Nagorik Oikya, Jatiya Ganofront and Jatiya Samajtantrik Dal (JSD).

Besides, 14 more political parties sought a few more days to place their complete opinions. The Consensus Commission is again contacting the remaining nine parties.

The commission, spearheaded by Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus, started its work on 15 February 2025.

The commission identified the crucial recommendations made in the reports of five reform commissions – the constitution reform commission, the public administration reform commission, the electoral system reform commission, the judiciary reform commission and the ACC reform commission – to seek opinions from the political parties.

Later, the commission sent a set of recommendations in a spreadsheet format to 38 political parties asking them to send their specific opinions on the important reform recommendations by 13 March.​

 

[Saif]

We’ll form consensus rising above personal, party interests: Rizwana Hasan

Environment, forest and climate change and the water resources adviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan has said there has to be a fair trial of the killings and barbarism in July-August.

en.prothomalo.com

We’ll form consensus rising above personal, party interests: Rizwana Hasan
Staff Correspondent
Savar
Published: 26 Mar 2025, 11: 39

Environment, forest and climate change and the water resources adviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan talks to the media at the National Memorial in Savar, marking the Independence and National Day, on 26 March 2025 Screengrab of a video.

Environment, forest and climate change and the water resources adviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan has said there has to be a fair trial of the killings and barbarism in July-August.

“The killings and barbarity that took place in July-August (2024) must be tried in a fair way. We will try in our limited time so that people receive some verdicts of this trial. If we can do this, there will really be a trial of this barbarity, so that such trust comes among the people.”

Syeda Rizwana Hasan was talking to the media around 6:15 am today, Wednesday, after paying tribute to the martyrs at the National Memorial in Savar, marking the Independence and National Day.

She said there are the traditional challenges for a government. Now the process has begun to build consensus on various reforms. It must go through a process. Everyone must move forward together.

Another issue is to conduct the election fairly; fulfill the expectations of the people, she asserted.

Responding to a question on how far the expectations would be fulfilled, the adviser said, “The hope is that we will reach a consensus rising above personal and party interests in the national interest and. But different people see each issue differently. They have their own perspectives. It will take some time to reduce the differences in those perspectives and bring them to a common ground.”

Syeda Rizwana Hasan hoped political parties would prioritise national interests rising above everything else.

“They (the politicians) are much more experienced than many of us. That is why, I think that if we think people will take us into their confidence, then there is no way not to reach a consensus on the reforms that the people demand,” she added.​

 

[Saif]

Consensus Commission to collect citizens’ views on reforms soon, says Ali Riaz

National Consensus Commission Vice-Chairman Ali Riaz has said they will soon start seeking the people’s views on national reforms through an online survey. Speaking at the LD Hall of the parliament complex on Monday, he said the survey would open a way for the public to express their opinion

thefinancialexpress.com.bd

Consensus Commission to collect citizens’ views on reforms soon, says Ali Riaz
bdnews24.com
Published :
Apr 07, 2025 21:50
Updated :
Apr 07, 2025 21:50

National Consensus Commission Vice-Chairman Ali Riaz has said they will soon start seeking the people’s views on national reforms through an online survey.

Speaking at the LD Hall of the parliament complex on Monday, he said the survey would open a way for the public to express their opinions.

The Consensus Commission, led by Chief Advisor Muhammad Yunus, became active on Feb 15. It aims to hold discussions with parties and political forces to form a national consensus and review the recommendations made by the reform panels ahead of the next parliamentary elections.

After reform panels forwarded their recommendations, the commission requested the 38 political parties to provide comments on them by Mar 13.

Nine parties have yet to submit their opinions on the recommendations.

“We’ve received opinions from 29 political parties and are holding discussions based on those. We held dialogues with four political parties before Eid and resumed discussion [on Monday] after [Eid] break,” Riaz said.

“Hopefully the first phase of dialogues with parties and alliances will conclude by the first week of May.”

“We will then enter the second phase. In that case, differing opinions outside things agreed upon [will be there]. Some things need to be elaborated. We’ll hopefully be able to discuss these in the second week of May.

“The commission aims to wrap up its responsibilities by July, he added.

The interim government wants to hold the general election between December this year and the first half of 2026 plugging in reforms based on consensus among political parties.

The parties had been cooperating with the commission, he said. “Political parties represent the people, not just a particular group or section of society. We want to take the views outside of those.

“We will start down that path very soon. Our sincere effort is to establish consensus through the participation of everyone. So that we can focus on the reform process."

The Consensus Commission sat with the AB Party, led by Chairman Mojibur Rahman, around 3pm on Monday.​

 

[Saif]

undefined | The Financial Express

thefinancialexpress.com.bd

Consensus Commission resumes talks with parties on reforms Saturday
UNB
Published :
Apr 11, 2025 21:03
Updated :
Apr 11, 2025 21:03

As part of the series of talks with political parties, the National Consensus Commission is going to sit in separate discussions with Bangladesh Jasod and Zaker Party on Saturday over the reform recommendations.

The talks with Jasod will be held at 10:00 am, while that with Zaker Party at 3:00 pm at the LD Hall of the Jatiya Sangsad Complex, said a press release on Friday.

The Consensus Commission opened the dialogues on March 20 last and already held talks with six political parties – Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), Khelafat Majlish, Bangladesh Labour Party, Rastra Sangshaskar Andolan, Amar Bangladesh (AB) Party and Nagorik Oikya.

The commission has a plan to complete the first round of talks by the first week of May.

The Consensus Commission, spearheaded by Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus, started its work on February 15, 2025.

The commission identified the crucial recommendations made in the reports of five reform commissions – the constitution reform commission, the public administration reform commission, the electoral system reform commission, the judiciary reform commission and the ACC reform commission – to seek opinions from the political parties.

Later, the commission sent a set of recommendations in spreadsheet format to 38 political parties asking them to send their specific opinions on the important reform recommendations by March 13.

A total of 32 political parties, including BNP, Jamaat and NCP submitted their respective proposals to the Consensus Commission.​

 

[Saif]

undefined | The Financial Express

thefinancialexpress.com.bd

BNP to attend talks with Consensus Commission Thursday
FE Online Desk
Published :
Apr 16, 2025 19:00
Updated :
Apr 16, 2025 19:00

The National Consensus Commission is set to hold talks with the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) on Thursday morning as part of the series of dialogues with political parties to reach a national consensus over the state reform initiatives taken by the interim government.

The discussion will start at 10:30am at the LD Hall of the Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban in the capital, reports UNB.

A five member delegation, led by BNP standing committee member and former speaker Barrister Jamiruddin Sircar, will attend the talks, said BNP media cell member Sayrul Kabir Khan on Wednesday.

Earlier in the day, a BNP delegation, led by its Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir met Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus and expressed its dissatisfaction about the outcomes of the meeting as the Chief Adviser did not give them any specific deadline for the election.

“We are not happy at all, we have clearly said if the election is not held by December, the country’s political and social situation will deteriorate further, and it will be very difficult to bring under control,” Mirza Fakhrul told reporters emerging from the meeting with the Chief Adviser.

But Law Adviser Asif Nazrul at a press briefing said the government clarified its stance, saying the election would be held between December 2025 to June 2026.

“December to June does not mean that we will deliberately delay the elections till May. December to June means that we will hold elections as soon as possible after December… the elections will be held as soon as possible between December and June,” he said.

Noting that BNP is very positive over the reform recommendations of the National Consensus Commission, the party is going to sit with the consensus commission.

“We feel that the BNP is very sincere about reforms ... .they (BNP) agreed to most of the reform recommendations, and they have a long tradition of supporting reforms,” said Asif Nazrul.

On March 20 last, the National Consensus Commission opened its dialogues with political parties aiming to build a national consensus on the reform initiatives undertaken by the interim government. The commission has already held talks with 11 political parties.

The National Consensus Commission, formed under the leadership of Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus, aims to establish a unified stance on critical reforms. Since its inception on February 15, 2025, the commission has been working to finalise recommendations for the state reform proposals.

In the initial phase, key recommendations from five reform commissions — covering constitutional, public administration, electoral system, judiciary, and anti-corruption reforms — were compiled and shared with 39 political parties for their feedback. To date, 34 parties have responded.

The National Consensus Commission is working to build national consensus over reform initiatives by mid-July next, by completing the first round of talks with political parties by the first week of May next and entering the second round of talks in the second week of May.​

 

[Saif]

Riaz urges unity to build new Bangladesh, prevent return of fascism

Vice Chairman of the National Consensus Commission Prof Ali Riaz on Saturday said everyone needs to work together to build a new Bangladesh so that fascism and repressive systems cannot return to Bangladesh. "Now our task is to work together to build a new Bangladesh, so that fascist rule does not

thefinancialexpress.com.bd

Riaz urges unity to build new Bangladesh, prevent return of fascism
Published :
Apr 19, 2025 16:19
Updated :
Apr 19, 2025 16:19

Vice Chairman of the National Consensus Commission Prof Ali Riaz on Saturday said everyone needs to work together to build a new Bangladesh so that fascism and repressive systems cannot return to Bangladesh.

"Now our task is to work together to build a new Bangladesh, so that fascist rule does not return to Bangladesh, Bangladesh's democratic institutions take a permanent shape and the rights of people are established. And so that we can eliminate disappearances, killings, extrajudicial killings and all forms of oppression,” he said.

Prof Riaz said this while delivering his speech at the talks with the National Citizen Party (NCP) held at the LD Hall of the Jatiya Sangsad Complex, UNB reports.

An eight-member NCP delegation led by its Convener Nahid Islam attended the dialogue at 10:30am with Prof Ali Riaz in the chair.

The National Consensus Commission arranged the talks as part of a series of dialogues with political parties to reach a national consensus over the state reform initiatives taken by the interim government.

Prof Riaz said the aspirations for democracy had been repeatedly undermined in Bangladesh. “We have witnessed how the victories achieved through democratic struggles have been trampled in various ways and how the state was brought under the control of one person and a system of governance was established,” he said.

Noting that if necessary, discussions with political parties will continue, he said, "We want to prepare a national charter that reflects the aspirations of the nation," he said.

Praising the NCP leaders for spearheading the July mass uprising, Prof Riaz said they fought fearlessly against prolonged fascist rule, risking their lives.

Their comrades even sacrificed their lives to defeat a fascist regime, he said.

“We are grateful to you. The nation will remember you as part of history. You have created a bright chapter in history,” said the Vice Chairman of the National Consensus Commission.

Consensus Commission members Safar Raj Hossain, Dr Badiul Alam Majumdar and Dr Iftekharuzzaman were present at the discussion moderated by Chief Adviser's Special Assistant Monir Haider.

On March 20 last, the National Consensus Commission opened its dialogues with political parties aiming to build a national consensus on the reform initiatives undertaken by the interim government.

The commission has already held talks with 12 political parties.

The commission formed under the leadership of Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus aims to establish a unified stance on critical reforms.

Since its inception on February 15, 2025, the commission has been working to finalise recommendations for the state reform proposals.

In the initial phase, key recommendations from five reform commissions — covering constitutional, public administration, electoral system, judiciary, and anti-corruption reforms — were compiled and shared with 39 political parties for their feedback. To date, 34 parties have responded.

The National Consensus Commission is working to build national consensus over reform initiatives by mid-July next, by completing the first round of talks with political parties by the first week of May next and entering the second round of talks in the second week of May.​

 

[Saif]

BNP wants a person eligible again for PM post after a break

The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) wants a person to be eligible again for prime minister post for next term after taking a break following serving in this position for two consecutive tenures. BNP leader Salahuddin Ahmed told the media today that there is no rationale for narrowing the...

en.prothomalo.com

Meeting with Consensus Commission
BNP wants a person eligible again for PM post after a break

BSS Dhaka
Updated: 20 Apr 2025, 23: 09

BNP leaders in the meeting with the National Consensus Commission at the LD Hall of Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban Prothom Alo

The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) wants a person to be eligible again for prime minister post for next term after taking a break following serving in this position for two consecutive tenures.

BNP leader Salahuddin Ahmed told the media today that there is no rationale for narrowing the scope for a person to serve the country.

Salahuddin was talking to the media during the break of a meeting of his party with the National Consensus Commission at Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban’s LD Hall.

“BNP favors the reform proposal that a person can’t be prime minister for more than two consecutive terms. But the party wants a person to be qualified again for the position after taking a break,” he said.

A five-member BNP delegation is taking part in the meeting for the second day. Other members of the delegation are BNP’s Standing Committee member Nazrul Islam Khan, BNP chairperson’s advisory council member Ismail Zabiullah and lawyer Ruhul Quddus Kajal and retired bureaucrat Moniruzzaman Khan.

“The issue is yet to be placed at the meeting but the party’s position is clear about this,” Salahuddin stressed.

The senior BNP leader also said, “If the people want to make a person the prime minister again after a break of two terms, that opportunity should not be narrowed. We have proposed to keep the issue open.”

He also differed with the proposal of the National Consensus Commission that a person cannot hold the office of the head of the government and ruling political party at the same time.

“We do not see the practice anywhere in the world that the same person cannot be the head of government and the party,” he said.

“In the UK, we see that the party chief assumes the office of the head of the government. This is a democratic practice,” he said.

Salahuddin laid importance on restoration of the Caretaker Government system and an independent Election Commission (EC) to hold all national elections.

BNP leader Salahuddin Ahmed speaks with the media during a break in the meeting with the National Consensus Commission at the LD Hall of Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban BSS.

“If the EC can hold a free and fair election under a caretaker government then people will accept the elected persons as their representatives,” he said.

Replying to a question, the BNP leader said, BNP differs with the Reform Commission’s proposal for expanding the scope of fundamental rights.

“BNP wants the state to ensure fundamental rights of the people. Expanding its scope will burden the state’s economic expenditure. So, we want to keep those issues only which the state can afford,” he said, adding that all reforms should be made considering the state’s capacity to implement.

Salahuddin also said, BNP disagreed with the proposal of the Reform Commission to lower the minimum age for candidates to 21 years from existing 25 years.

Chairmen can be appointed from among the members of the opposition party for a few Parliamentary Standing Committees, but not all, he maintained.

Expressing BNP’s position against secularism and pluralism, the BNP leader said, “We have given an opinion against it.”

BNP wants to return to the situation before the 15th Amendment to the Constitution, he noted.

Salahuddin said BNP agrees to increase the number of women’s seats in parliament to 100 from existing 50. But the current status should exist until the next parliament is formed.

BNP agrees on the issue of access to the internet as a fundamental right of the people, Salahuddin said, the state has to ensure the fundamental rights of the people.

Stating that BNP does not agree with the theory of the National Constitutional Council (NCC), Salahuddin said, it will awfully reduce the power of the prime minister.

Nazrul Islam Khan said, “We want to cooperate with the commission sincerely. We have come close to the Consensus Commission on reforms on many issues except a few.”

“It is natural to have differences of opinion in a democracy as we don’t believe in BKSAL, where everyone was bound to agree on a predetermined issue,” he said.​

 

[Saif]

BNP endorses equality, human dignity, social justice

A Bangladesh Nationalist Party delegation on Tuesday participating in a state reform discussion with the National Consensus Commission said that the party agreed to equality, human dignity, and social justice as the fundamental principles of the constitution.

www.newagebd.net

BNP endorses equality, human dignity, social justice
Staff Correspondent 22 April, 2025, 12:54

A Bangladesh Nationalist Party delegation on Tuesday participating in a state reform discussion with the National Consensus Commission said that the party agreed to equality, human dignity, and social justice as the fundamental principles of the constitution.

The BNP also agreed to the Constitution Reform Commission-proposed exclusion of the constitution’s Articles 8, 9, 10 and 12. ‘However, we have recommended replacing them with the articles as per the Fifth Amendment,’ said BNP standing committee member Salahuddin Ahmed.

Salahudding led the BNP delegation to the third meeting with the NCC at the LD Auditorium of the Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban in the capital Dhaka. NCC vice-chair Ali Riaz presided over the meeting.

The Fifth Amendment by the second parliament in April 1979 adopted ‘absolute trust and faith in Almighty Allah’ in Article 8, redefined ‘socialism’ by ‘economic and social justice’ in Article 9 and replaced socialism and freedom from exploitation with local government promotion and women’s participation in Article 10 and Article 12 was excluded.

Although disagreeing to the reform commission-proposed ‘pluralism’ as one of the fundamental constitution principles, the BNP delegation recommended a sentence — ‘Bangladesh is a country of multiple ethnicities, multiple religions, multiple languages and multiple cultures where coexistence and proper dignity of all communities will be ensured’ to add to the fundamental principles part of the constitution.

The BNP delegation disagreed to the proposed decentralisation of the High Court. Salauhuddin said, ‘We have proposed the appointment of chief justice from among the top three senior judges of the Supreme Court, considering the ‘Doctrine of Necessity’, and a National Judicial Council, like the Supreme Judicial Council, to check corruption and misconduct in the local courts.’

After a prolonged discussion with the NCC, he said that his party agreed to a 505-member bicameral parliament but recommended the traditional electoral process for the 100 reserved seats for women.

Disagreeing to the reform commission’s relevant proposals, the BNP delegation recommended that a person may simultaneously hold the posts of prime minister, the parliament leader and the party chief.

They disagreed to the proposed electoral college method for electing the president and recommended that the president be elected by the members of the bicameral parliament, Salahuddin said.

Agreeing to the proposed interim government, the BNP delegation said in case the chief adviser dies or becomes disqualified, the next chief adviser may be chosen from among the advisory council.

Except for amending Articles 8, 48, 56 and 142 of the constitution, the BNP doesn’t think that a referendum is necessary when a two-thirds majority of the bicameral parliament approves any change in the constitution, Salahuddin said.

According to him, the BNP delegation strongly opposed the transformation of the Human Rights Commission and the Anti-Corruption Commission as constitutional bodies.

‘However, we have proposed the enactment of a law for the establishment of a local government commission,’ Salahuddin said.

As part of participating in the state reform initiatives, the BNP delegation first sat in a dialogue with the NCC on April 17 and the second dialogue was held on April 20.

Responding to the NCC invitation for their opinions on the key reform proposals, the BNP provided its feedback on March 23.

Beginning on March 20, the NCC held dialogues on state reforms with at least 15 political parties till Tuesday.​