Reforms agreed upon thru consensus must be implemented under interim govt: Nurul Haque  

National Consensus Commission Vice-President Professor Ali Riaz has emphasised the need for unity  and collective efforts to draft a national charter that would bring about a transformation in the distribution of power and awaken Bangladesh to its full potential.

Speaking at the inaugural speech of a dialogue with Gono Odhikar Parishad at the LD Hall of the Jatiya Sangsad today, Riaz said, "The commission's aim is to prepare a national charter so that the country can move towards realising all its possibilities."

Speaking at the dialogue, Gono Odhikar Parishad President Nurul Haque Nur said the people of Bangladesh had suffered repression and oppression under past regimes, and the country's independence and sovereignty had been undermined.

"We want to ensure that no future governments can establish such misrule again," Nur said.

Stressing the need to implement the reforms for the greater national interest, he added, "The reforms agreed upon through consensus must be implemented under the interim government, at any cost."

Professor Riaz said, "The democratic aspirations that the people have held for 53 years must be realised. We must open the path so that we can all come together to establish a democratic state. This discussion is a part of that effort."

"Only the reports, opinions, and recommendations of the Reform Commission will not be enough. Through the unity of all political and democratic forces and the collective will of the people, we can move Bangladesh towards becoming a new Bangladesh. It is not merely about what we write; it is through practice, commitment and pledges that we must advance. We are committed to this endeavour," he added. 

The vice-president of the commission stressed that the people of Bangladesh, led by the youth, have already created a new possibility through their sacrifices. 

"We must all work together to realise this potential. We are united in this journey and will remain so. We will continue to stress the importance of staying united," he said.

Recalling the 2018 quota reform movement led by the current leaders of the Gono Odhikar Parishad, Riaz said, "Through their fearless struggle, a new phase of the anti-fascist movement began. In continuity with that spirit, an unprecedented and extraordinary mass uprising took place in 2024, following the quota reform movement."

The event was moderated by Monir Haider, special assistant to the chief adviser. Commission members Safar Raj Hossain, Justice Emdadul Haque, Badiul Alam Majumdar and Iftekharuzzaman were also present.