[🇧🇩] Consensus Commission.

[Saif]

No consensus yet over some basic reform issues: Prof Ali Riaz

The National Consensus Commission is yet to reach an agreement among political parties on several crucial reform issues, including the chief and tenure of a caretaker government, the term limit for a prime minister and the formation of the National Constitutional Council (NCC). “Consensus ha

thefinancialexpress.com.bd

No consensus yet over some basic reform issues: Prof Ali Riaz

Published :
May 26, 2025 21:05
Updated :
May 26, 2025 21:05

The National Consensus Commission is yet to reach an agreement among political parties on several crucial reform issues, including the chief and tenure of a caretaker government, the term limit for a prime minister and the formation of the National Constitutional Council (NCC).

“Consensus has not yet been achieved on some important constitutional questions...,” said Vice Chairman of the Commission Prof Ali Riaz at a press briefing held at the LD Hall of the Jatiya Sangsad Complex on Monday, UNB reports.

These issues, he said, include the framework for the judiciary decentralisation, the appointment of the chief adviser to the caretaker government and its term, the formation of the National Constitutional Council (NCC), the term-limit for a prime minister, the number of portfolios an MP can hold, the method of electing the president and the process for amending the constitution. “These fundamental structural issues remain unresolved.”

He shared the commission's progress in building a consensus on state reform initiatives

Prof Ali Riaz, however, said many parties showed compromising attitudes over the important issues during their talks with the commission and suggested further discussion.

He said though the political parties agreed in principle on many recommendations of the Constitutional Reform Commission, there needs to be further discussion on the issues.

According to his written speech, there is no disagreement among the political parties over the restoration of the caretaker government.

Most political parties suggested refraining from writing ‘pluralism’ alongside ‘equity, human dignity, social justice and democracy’ as the basic principles of the state in the Constitution. They agreed in principle to form a bicameral parliament, although a few favoured retaining a unicameral structure, he said.

All the parties supported the formation of the 100-seat upper house, but how its members would be elected remains unresolved.

Although the majority of parties supported the proportional representation of votes as recommended by the Constitutional Reform Commission, no consensus was achieved in this regard.

There is a kind of consensus among the parties on the issue of reserving 100 seats for women in the lower house. But, there is a difference of opinion on its method.

All parties supported a proposal to appoint an opposition lawmaker as Deputy Speaker.

There is also a consensus on amending Article 48(a) of the Constitution, which defines the president’s powers, but parties differ on how to balance power between the president and the prime minister.

On the contentious Article 70, which bars MPs from voting against their party, most parties agreed to amend it. They want the bar lifted except in cases such as constitutional amendments, passage of the finance bill, and votes of confidence. Some parties also want the restriction to remain for state security-related bills.

Nearly all parties agreed on allocating the chairmanship of key parliamentary committees—such as the Public Accounts Committee, the Estimates Committee, the Public Undertakings Committee, and the Privileges Committee—to opposition lawmakers.

ACC Reform Proposals:

Political parties have largely agreed in principle to support all the recommendations of the Anti-Corruption Commission Reform Commission.

All parties agreed on the recommendation to enact laws to resolve and prevent conflicts of interest, to prevent the abuse of state and legal power.

Most of the political parties backed the proposal to give the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) constitutional recognition as an institution, as well as agreed in principle on the proposal to create the post of Ombudsman.

Recommendations for Judicial Reforms

All parties backed the creation of a Supreme Court secretariat to effectively separate the judiciary from the executive, and supported the recommendation that judges displaying political allegiance or views should be subject to disciplinary action.

The parties supported ending the president’s authority to appoint the Chief Justice and instead proposed appointing the most senior justice of the Appellate Division—or one of the top three senior justices—to the role.

All parties agreed in principle on enacting a Presidential Pardon Act to form a Pardon Board, allowing the president to act on its recommendations. However, one or two parties expressed dissent.

Electoral System Reform

Most of the parties agreed in principle on the establishment of a separate independent constituency delimitation authority. However, there are differences of opinion on this issue.

Reactions were mixed regarding the proposal to present the Election Commission’s legal, financial, and administrative proposals to an all-party parliamentary committee led by the Upper House Speaker, rather than the relevant ministries.

Most parties also agreed that any post-term complaint against election commissioners should be investigated by a proposed parliamentary committee and, based on its findings, forwarded to the president for action.

Public Administration Reform

Most parties agreed to create an independent investigation commission to identify and act against those involved in the July mass uprising atrocities and those accused of electoral fraud or corruption.

They also supported, in principle, the formation of three separate eight-member Public Service Commissions by restructuring the existing Public Service Commission.

Parties expressed mixed reactions to a recommendation for forming District and Upazila Citizen Committees—composed of people from different professions—to monitor ministries' works, similar to parliamentary standing committees.

Most supported restoring civil and criminal magistrate courts at the upazila level, in consultation with the Supreme Court as well as the formation of an independent and permanent Public Administration Reform Commission.

Prof Ali Riaz said the Consensus Commission will soon start the second round of talks in a bid to build a national consensus over reforms. During the second phase of the talks, the unresolved issues will be discussed, he added.

“We hope that it will be possible to prepare a national charter by July through the second round of discussions with political parties,” he said.

In response to a question, he said the Commission will prepare the national charter, but it will be up to the political parties to chart the implementation path, and the government will ultimately execute it.

Consensus Commission members Dr Badiul Alam Majumdar, Dr Iftekharuzzaman, Justice Emdadul Haque, Safar Raj Hossain, Md Ayub Miah, and Chief Adviser’s Special Assistant Monir Haider were present.

The Consensus Commission opened a series of talks with political parties on March 20 last to forge a national consensus on state reform initiatives undertaken by the interim government.

The Commission held talks with 33 parties and alliances including BNP, Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami and National Citizen Party (NCP), before concluding the first round of dialogues on May 19 last.

Formed on February 15, 2025, under the leadership of Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus, the Commission was tasked with shaping a unified national stance on critical reforms.​

 

[Saif]

Bangladesh consensus commission fails to find agreement

Bangladesh's National Consensus Commission, tasked by the interim government to lead critical democratic reforms after a mass uprising last year, said Monday that political parties had failed to reach agreement. The South Asian nation of around 170 million people has been in political turmoil...

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Bangladesh consensus commission fails to find agreement

AFP Dhaka
Updated: 26 May 2025, 21: 00

National Consensus Commission vice-chairman professor Ali Riaz presides over a discussion with civil society members in Dhaka on 25 May 2025PID

Bangladesh's National Consensus Commission, tasked by the interim government to lead critical democratic reforms after a mass uprising last year, said Monday that political parties had failed to reach an agreement.

The South Asian nation of around 170 million people has been in political turmoil since former prime minister Sheikh Hasina was ousted by a student-led revolt in August 2024, ending her iron-fisted rule of 15 years.

Muhammad Yunus, the 84-year-old Nobel Peace Prize winner who is leading the interim government as its chief adviser until elections are held, has previously said he inherited a "completely broken down" system of public administration.

Yunus has said it required a comprehensive overhaul to prevent a future return to authoritarian rule. He set up six commissions to do that work, overseen by the Consensus Commission, which he heads.

Ali Riaz, the commission's vice president, said that despite marathon efforts they had not reached a deal.

"It wasn't possible to reach a consensus on several significant constitutional issues," Riaz told reporters in Dhaka, saying talks stretched over 45 sessions.

"We have been discussing 166 recommendations with 38 political parties and alliances."

Riaz, a political science professor at Illinois State University, said the teams would not give up.

"We are going to begin a second round of talks," he said, adding that the country's statistics bureau would "conduct a household survey to gauge public opinion". The commission plans to include 46,000 families in the survey.

Contentious issues include whether a prime minister can serve more than two terms, and the process for selecting the president.

The procedure for appointing the chief of the interim government, and the duration of its tenure, has also divided parties, Riaz said.

Parties also debated recommendations to change the terms of the constitution from "secularism" to "pluralism".

Bangladesh is a Muslim-majority nation, with Hindus accounting for less than a tenth of the population.

"Although most parties rejected the idea of pluralism, they recommended incorporating some form of protection for minorities," he said.

'No rift'

Yunus warned on Saturday that political power struggles risked jeopardising gains that have been made, carrying out two days of talks with more than 20 political party leaders.

Hasina's rule saw widespread human rights abuses, including the mass detention and extrajudicial killings of her political opponents.

Her government was also accused of politicising courts and the civil service, as well as staging lopsided elections to dismantle democratic checks on its power.

Yunus has said polls could be held as early as December but that holding them later -- with the deadline of June 2026 -- would give the government more time for reform.

On Saturday, Yunus met with the key Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), seen as the election front-runners, who are pushing hard for polls to be held by December.

The military insisted at a press conference on Monday that there was no division with Yunus.

It was the first address to the media since army chief General Waker-Uz-Zaman gave an address to officers on 21 May.

He said that elections should be held by December, aligning with BNP demands, according to Bangladeshi media and military sources.

"There is no rift between the government and the Bangladesh Army," Lieutenant Colonel Muhammad Shafiqul Islam told reporters.

"We share a cordial relationship and are working together for the sake of the country."​

 

[Saif]

‘Without reforms, even fair polls can lead to rulers becoming tyrants’

Says Badiul Alam Majumdar

www.thedailystar.net

‘Without reforms, even fair polls can lead to rulers becoming tyrants’
Says Badiul Alam Majumdar

Photo: Collected

Badiul Alam Majumdar, member of the National Consensus Commission and Secretary of Shujan (Citizens for Good Governance), has cautioned that even a free and fair election without structural reforms could lead to authoritarian rule.

Speaking at a discussion titled "National Charter and Citizen Expectations", organised by Shujan at the RDRS auditorium in Rangpur, Badiul emphasised that fundamental reforms were the core demand of those who sacrificed their lives during the July uprising, including Shaheed Abu Sayeed.

"Without reforms, elections alone cannot prevent the return of autocracy. Even a fair election could result in a government turning into a tyranny," he warned.

Badiul expressed hope that on Abu Sayeed's martyrdom day, political parties would reach agreements on constitutional and institutional reforms.

While acknowledging that some changes could be implemented through ordinances, he stressed that major reforms require political consensus.

He urged citizens to remain vigilant and proactive in supporting the proposals outlined in the National Charter.

Majumdar advocated for a bicameral parliamentary system, suggesting that the upper house should consist of half partisan and half non-partisan representatives to ensure broad societal representation.

"An upper house could oversee decisions made in the lower house, preventing policies that go against public interest," he explained.

Addressing concerns over student politics, Majumdar stated that while students should engage in political and cultural activities, they must not become militant enforcers for political parties.

"We do not seek to ban student politics, but we must end the culture of blind allegiance among students, teachers, and professionals," he asserted.

He also urged political parties to reform their internal structures, ensuring that candidates are selected based on merit and integrity.

"Only honest, competent, and public welfare-oriented individuals should receive nominations," he emphasised.

Badiul stressed the need for financial transparency within political parties, warning that lack of accountability could weaken democracy.

"If parties fail to ensure financial transparency, democratic institutions will remain fragile," he cautioned.

The discussion also featured academics and civil society representatives, who proposed measures to empower women, uplift marginalised communities, depoliticise education and healthcare, and strengthen democratic practices.​

 

[Saif]

Consensus Commission to begin second round of reform talks on Monday

The National Consensus Commission is set to begin the second phase of reform discussions with political parties and other stakeholders on Monday, following the conclusion of its initial round of talks in May. Chief Advisor Muhammad Yunus, who also chairs the commission, will inaugurate the new rou

thefinancialexpress.com.bd

Consensus Commission to begin second round of reform talks on Monday

Published :
Jun 02, 2025 00:31
Updated :
Jun 02, 2025 00:31

The National Consensus Commission is set to begin the second phase of reform discussions with political parties and other stakeholders on Monday, following the conclusion of its initial round of talks in May.

Chief Advisor Muhammad Yunus, who also chairs the commission, will inaugurate the new round of meetings at 4:30pm at the Foreign Service Academy in Dhaka, reports bdnews24.com.

The first phase of the commission’s dialogue ran from Mar 20 to May 19 and included extensive engagements with political parties on reform proposals.

The interim government formed six reform commissions in October 2024 after the fall of the Awami League administration amid mass protests on Aug 5. These commissions submitted their recommendations in February, leading to the formation of the National Consensus Commission on Feb 12.

The commission, comprising the heads of the constitutional, electoral, judiciary, Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC), police, and public administration reform panels, was tasked with building consensus on key proposals and drafting a “National Charter.”

It officially began work on Feb 15 with a six-month mandate.

On Feb 28, the commission distributed printed versions of the six reform reports among all political parties.

A week later, on Mar 5, a spreadsheet summarising 166 key recommendations—70 on constitutional reform, 27 on electoral reform, 23 on judiciary reform, 26 on public administration, and 20 on the ACC—was shared with 38 political parties and alliances for their feedback.

Although the initial deadline for feedback was set for Mar 15, several parties requested extensions. Ultimately, 35 parties and alliances responded, with some submitting detailed commentary in addition to the completed spreadsheet.

Between Mar 20 and May 19, the commission held 45 sessions with 33 political parties and alliances, some of which participated in discussions across multiple days. The panel reported that these meetings led to agreements or partial consensus on several issues.

The second phase aims to build on that progress and move closer to finalising a framework for long-term governance reform.​

 

[Saif]

Can the consensus commission break the deadlock?

A collective dialogue should streamline the process and accelerate resolutions

www.thedailystar.net

Can the consensus commission break the deadlock?

Political leaders at the National Consensus Commission’s inaugural meeting. File photo: CA PRESS WING

Bangladesh stands at a pivotal moment in its political history, with plans to make democratic institutions functional and curb the risk of a return to autocracy.

At the centre of this initiative is the National Consensus Commission, which is working to build agreement among the country's political parties on key reforms.

These proposals—formulated by five commissions—focus on the constitution, judiciary, electoral system, public administration, and anti-corruption mechanisms.

In a country where political consensus has historically been elusive, the commission has held its first round of discussions with 33 political parties separately on 164 key recommendations.

Yet again these talks have revealed entrenched political rivalries and deep ideological divides.

One key area of consensus among political parties is the reinstatement of the non-partisan caretaker government system. While a majority supports its return, sharp disagreements persist regarding its formation, duration, and particularly the process for appointing the chief adviser of the caretaker government.

Equally contentious is the proposal to establish a National Constitutional Council to oversee major state appointments, including that of the chief adviser, who will head of the election time caretaker government. Proponents argue that such a body could help dilute the concentration of executive power, especially that of the prime minister.

Under the current constitutional framework, the president—except in appointing the prime minister and chief justice—is obligated to act on the prime minister's advice, granting the executive considerable control over appointments.

Other reform proposals have also sparked mixed reactions. These include limiting the prime minister's tenure to two terms, preventing any individual from simultaneously holding the positions of prime minister, leader of the parliament, and party chief, and a bicameral legislature, with a 100-member upper house. While the idea of a bicameral legislature has gained traction, debate continues over how members would be elected—whether by direct or indirect votes, or a hybrid system.

Reform of Article 70 of the constitution—currently prohibiting members of parliament from voting against their party—is another critical issue. Many support granting MPs more freedom, but argue that voting against the party line should remain prohibited in case of finance bills, no-confidence motions, and constitutional amendments.

Parties also expressed diverging views on other proposals like amending laws to bar individuals accused of war crimes from contesting elections and "pluralism" as a fundamental principle of the state.

These disagreements once again show how much the country's political parties are divided ideologically.

Bangladesh has found itself poised at similar critical junctures before, and faltered.

The first opportunity for democratic consolidation was lost soon after independence, when a one-party system was introduced. That period was followed by a series of coups and military regimes.

The second chance came after the fall of the Ershad regime in 1990. The then interim government created 29 task forces in 1991, and over 250 national experts prepared reform plans across sectors including the economy, environment, energy, and politics. But those reports were ultimately shelved by successive governments.

Political parties have broken their promise and failed to fulfill the 'Tin Joter Ruprekha' (roughly translated to the Tri-alliance Outline), agreed to at the final stage of anti Ershad protest which aimed to establish a permanent democratic order.

Now, the country faces its third and arguably most critical chance. Failure to forge a comprehensive agreement could deepen polarisation, erode trust in political parties, and eventually stall the democratization process once again.

Reform must not be reduced to a zero-sum game of power redistribution. Rather, it should aim to build a transparent, accountable, and inclusive system—one that prevents the drift toward autocracy and reflects the aspirations of the Bangladeshi people.

Unless political leaders rise above narrow partisan interests and embrace a spirit of compromise, the Consensus Commission's efforts may grind to a halt.

The stakes are too high to let this moment slip away. For Bangladesh to chart a democratic future, political parties must acknowledge the weight of history, act with responsibility, and commit to building a shared national vision.

Thus far, the interim government, through the commission, has listened to parties separately. Today it begins joint meetings with all parties. Instead of repeated discussions with separate groups, a collective dialogue should streamline the process and accelerate resolutions.

When parties engage in discussions together, they gain a clearer understanding of each other's positions, concerns, and priorities, which can encourage compromise, and in turn lead to a lasting democratic dispensation.​