National Consensus Commission Vice-Chairman, Professor Dr Ali Riaz, has expressed optimism about the possibility of holding a national election in December this year, citing the commitment of political parties to the ongoing reform process.
"I am optimistic that significant reforms can be achieved. It is not impossible, and my optimism stems from the commitment shown by political parties," Riaz stated in an exclusive interview with BSS in Dhaka.
As the head of the interim government's Constitution Reforms Commission, Riaz acknowledged skepticism among some observers but emphasized the necessity of staying hopeful. He noted that beyond political parties, the people of Bangladesh are eager for an election, having been unable to vote for the past 17 years.
"This is an ideal moment. The demand for reform and elections is not only coming from political parties but also from the citizens who wish to exercise their right to vote," he added.
Riaz reassured that Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus and the interim government have no intention of extending their tenure unnecessarily.
National Consensus Commission's Action Plan
The seven-member National Consensus Commission, led by Professor Yunus, was established on February 13 to engage political parties in discussions on reform recommendations proposed by six commissions covering key sectors, including the constitution and electoral system. The commission held its first meeting with political parties on February 15.
As its initial step, the Consensus Commission will provide political parties with full reports from the six commissions. Parties will review these reports, identify key proposals, and determine which recommendations should be prioritized for implementation.
Although no specific deadline has been set, both the Consensus Commission and political parties acknowledge the urgency of the process. "We do not want to rush this, as meaningful discussions are crucial," Riaz explained, adding that Professor Yunus described this as the second phase of the interim government, where dialogue and action must proceed simultaneously.
The Consensus Commission has been given six months to facilitate a consensus on reforms, with political parties expected to provide feedback within a reasonable timeframe. Efforts are underway to expedite the process, as the public eagerly awaits the elections.
"If major parties agree on constitutional reforms, we can set those aside as settled and move forward to areas where opinions differ," Riaz stated. He emphasized that while the six commissions have provided recommendations, political parties may propose alternative solutions aligned with their policies and governance plans.
National Charter
Once key agreements are reached, the process will culminate in a national charter—a guiding document for future governments. "The charter will serve as a reference, ensuring that any elected government adheres to the agreed-upon reforms," Riaz explained.
The commission will also collaborate with parties to determine which reforms should be implemented before the next election, which should be addressed by the new parliament, and whether certain decisions require a referendum. While the Consensus Commission facilitates discussions, political parties ultimately decide the reforms they wish to pursue.
To ensure transparency, the agreed-upon recommendations will be made public through a dedicated website. "Publishing these agreements is essential to engaging citizens, as they have the right to know what reforms political parties are committing to," Riaz noted.
Political Commitment to Reforms
Addressing concerns about political parties' commitment, Riaz called for a forward-looking approach. "Let's not be prisoners of the past," he urged.
Bangladesh has historically struggled with political consensus, but Riaz pointed out successful agreements, such as the caretaker government system, as positive precedents. He emphasized that the current political climate is unique, with all parties acknowledging the necessity for reform following 16 years of challenges and a recent mass uprising that claimed over 1,400 lives.
"No party is claiming that everything is fine. They all recognize the need for structural reforms in governance, the judiciary, and constitutional bodies," he said. However, he acknowledged that while all parties support reform, their priorities may differ. "Our task is to facilitate discussions and find common ground."
Riaz emphasized that political parties must ensure accountability and the ultimate goal of the Consensus Commission is to establish a binding national charter that all parties commit to, both before and after elections.
The Awami League Issue
Regarding the Awami League, Riaz stated that the interim government and political parties would determine the appropriate course of action. However, he asserted that those accused of crimes against humanity must be brought to justice.
He clarified that the issue of banning the Awami League is outside the scope of the national consensus negotiations and falls under a separate judicial and governmental process. He pointed to United Nations documentation of crimes committed under a political party's command and argued that responsibility lies with specific individuals rather than being a matter of political negotiation.
Riaz also highlighted concerns over the Awami League's ideological stance, citing its rule from 1972-75 and 2009-2024. "This political party has twice led the country into personalistic autocracy, suggesting an underlying ideological issue rather than mere coincidence," he argued.
Despite these concerns, Riaz stressed that addressing structural reforms should remain the primary focus. "We must not allow these issues to derail the essential reforms needed for the country's future. These are two separate matters."
Constitutional Reforms
As the head of the Constitution Reforms Commission, Riaz reiterated that constitutional changes cannot be imposed unilaterally. "Reforms require national consensus and a clear process," he said. He outlined multiple potential approaches, including a constituent assembly, a referendum, or a negotiated agreement, suggesting that Bangladesh could draw from global experiences or develop its own path.
He emphasized that the commission's role is to review the constitution, identify gaps, and make recommendations rather than dictate the reform process. "We never used the term ‘amendment.’ Instead, we highlighted articles requiring reform. It is up to political parties to decide what to adopt and how to implement it."
Certain proposals, such as forming a bicameral parliament and a national constitutional council, require broad political support. However, Riaz urged parties to first reach a consensus on necessary reforms before debating their implementation.
"Let's first agree on what needs to change. Then we can discuss how to implement it. The priority now is establishing the national charter," he concluded.
