Consensus talks resume today amid stalemate over July Charter implementation
Commission to submit 3 recommendations to govt by 10 Oct if no consensus
The Consensus Commission begins the fourth day of its third-phase discussions this morning, following 44 meetings in the first phase and 23 in the second.
The session will initially hear political parties' views on the July Charter implementation process before the commission presents its own proposals.
Ahead of the meeting, commission members are scheduled to meet the chief adviser.
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While the commission remains optimistic about reaching a consensus, political parties continue to hold firm positions. Informal meetings have so far failed to produce the desired compromise among them.
Ali Riaz, vice president of the National Consensus Commission, told The Business Standard that the talks resume after a 20-day break.
"We hope parties will move closer in their positions when giving feedback. We expect the meeting to resolve the issues. However, if needed, an additional day may be added," he said.
Asked how the commission would make recommendations if parties fail to reach consensus, Ali Riaz said they will submit three recommendations to the government by 10 October.
"These will reflect both expert inputs and the political parties' views," he said.
On the parties' rigid stance, he added, "While their public statements are politically significant, what matters most to us is the opinion they present during the commission's sessions."
Regarding whether the commission will propose any new measures, he said, "We will first consult the parties. Proposals will only be made if necessary, in coordination with expert opinions."
Currently, BNP has agreed to accept the Supreme Court's opinion under Article 106, Jamaat is insisting on a constitutional order, and the NCP remains firm on the constituent assembly.
The commission, however, is attempting to reconcile all three positions.
At an event on Saturday, BNP Standing Committee member Salahuddin Ahmed said no one has the right to amend Bangladesh's constitution outside legal and constitutional procedures.
He added that the interim government was formed through the will of the people. "But to implement that will, we had to approach the Supreme Court under Article 106."
He added, "For constitutional provisions, the next parliament is needed, following the proper amendment process. Only the next parliament can fulfil these commitments."
Jamaat-e-Islami Secretary General Mia Golam Porwar told The Business Standard that they remain hopeful that consensus will be reached on implementing the July Charter.
"We have had informal meetings with many parties and are optimistic. Tomorrow [Sunday], our delegation will participate in the discussions, and the outcome will become clearer then," he added.
On differing views about the July Charter, Javed Rasin, member and joint convener of the National Citizen Party (NCP), said, "If all parties come together in the interest of consensus, we are ready to compromise.
He added, "Since the constituent assembly and new constitution are central to our political struggle, we will try to pursue them if in power."
Rasin further said no informal consensus has emerged among political parties so far. "It seems there is significant uncertainty about the charter's implementation process."
Communist Party of Bangladesh (CPB) central committee member Ruhin Hossain Prince said they had discussed extensively with major parties but reached no agreement.
"The commission is now staging a drama under the name of consensus," he said. "Of the 84 points the commission claims consensus on, many face strong opposition and dissent notes."
"Some parties refer to the Supreme Court's opinion under Article 106, referendums, or constitutional orders. Meanwhile, the commission is engaging in unnecessary discussions," he said.
He further remarked, "It doesn't seem likely that all parties will agree. The meetings appear to be diverting public attention from election preparations."
