Professor Ali Riaz, Vice President of the National Consensus Commission, has stated that the primary goal of the commission is to develop a national charter aimed at establishing a permanent democratic framework in Bangladesh. He noted that the BNP has presented clear and constructive views and expressed a willingness to engage in discussions with differing perspectives. According to him, the people of the country recognise and appreciate the BNP’s contribution to the democratic movement.
Professor Riaz made these remarks on Thursday during a meeting held at the LD Hall of the National Parliament with a delegation from the BNP.
He further commented, "Time and again, we have witnessed democracy falter in this country, giving way to authoritarian rule centred around individuals. To prevent such setbacks in the future, democratic forces have fought hard, and in this struggle, the BNP has played a prominent and leading role."
The meeting was moderated by Monir Haider, Special Assistant to the Chief Adviser. Other attendees included National Consensus Commission members Safaraz Hossain, Justice Emdadul Haque, Badiul Alam Majumdar (Head of the Electoral Reform Commission), and Dr Iftekharuzzaman (Head of the Anti-Corruption Commission Reform Commission).
The BNP delegation was led by Standing Committee member Salahuddin Ahmed. Other representatives included fellow Standing Committee member Nazrul Islam Khan, Chairperson's Advisory Council member Ismail Jobiullah, and former General Secretary of the Supreme Court Bar Association, Ruhul Quddus Kajol.
"Our objective is to create a national charter that ensures the establishment of a lasting democratic system in Bangladesh," Riaz reiterated.
Following the removal of the Awami League government on August 5 last year, an interim administration took charge and launched reforms by forming 11 commissions in two phases, aimed at reshaping state structures.
To build a broad-based national consensus around the commission's recommendations, the National Consensus Commission, under the leadership of Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus, began its work on February 15. The first joint meeting with all major political parties, including the BNP, was held at the Foreign Service Academy.
Subsequently, the Commission sought feedback from 39 political parties on key proposals made by the Constitution Reform Commission, Public Administration Reform Commission, Electoral Reform Commission, Judicial Reform Commission, and the Anti-Corruption Commission Reform Commission. Of those, 34 parties submitted opinions, and the Commission is now holding separate meetings with each.
