Multiple proposals in pipeline if consensus not reached on July Charter: Ali Riaz
The nearly hour-long meeting reviewed the contents of the July National Charter and discussed how the political parties have responded to its proposed implementation process
Highlights:
- Commission to submit 3 key proposals to government by 10 October
- Ali Riaz says proposals reflect expert input and political parties' views
- Commission may introduce new recommendations after further consultation with political parties
- The chief adviser expresses satisfaction with commission's progress
- Today's meeting reviewed party responses to the July Charter's 84 reform proposals
- Parties remain divided; BNP leans toward Supreme Court opinion, while Jamaat and NCP hold differing views
- Commission aims to bridge gaps and finalise implementation strategy before 15 October deadline
The National Consensus Commission will submit several proposals to the government on implementing the July Charter if political parties fail to reach a consensus, commission vice-president Professor Ali Riaz said today (5 October).
"By 10 October, we will submit three recommendations to the government regarding the implementation of the July Charter. These will reflect a synthesis of our expert panel's views and the political parties' opinions," Ali Riaz told The Business Standard before today's meeting chaired by Chief Adviser and Commission President Muhammad Yunus at the state guest house Jamuna.
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On whether the commission plans to introduce new proposals, Professor Riaz said, "We will first consult the political parties. If necessary, we will coordinate with expert opinions before finalising new recommendations."
The nearly hour-long meeting reviewed the contents of the July National Charter and discussed how the political parties have responded to its proposed implementation process.
"The commission has worked inclusively, drawing on inputs from both political representatives and experts to finalise the recommendations," Professor Ali Riaz said.
Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus expressed satisfaction over the progress made by the commission. He thanked all members for their contributions and directed them to keep him informed about the final stages of the commission's work as soon as possible.
Earlier in the day, the commission began its fourth round of discussions with political parties at the Foreign Service Academy's Doel Hall on the implementation strategy of the July National Charter 2025, which includes 84 reform proposals.
Today's session primarily focused on how much the differences among political parties have narrowed regarding the implementation process. If necessary, the commission may also incorporate specific and refined recommendations from experts.
Although the commission remains hopeful of achieving consensus, parties continue to hold firm positions, with little progress even in informal talks.
Sources said the BNP has agreed to seek the Supreme Court's opinion under Article 106, while Jamaat-e-Islami remains firm on issuing a constitutional order, and the NCP insists on convening a Constituent Assembly.
The commission, however, is working to find a way to harmonise the three positions.
The Consensus Commission, formed on 15 February last under the Chief Adviser of the Interim Government Prof Muhammad Yunus, to prepare a reform charter by 15 July 2025.
Later, its tenure was extended on several occasions. Now the NCC will need to find a mechanism for the implementation of the July Charter within the next 10 days as its extended tenure will expire on 15 October.
