Political parties and Commission aligned, July Charter at final stage: Prof Ali Riaz

Vice-Chairman of the National Consensus Commission Professor Ali Riaz on Thursday said there is no disagreement between political parties and the commission, as they all are working towards a common goal.

"More importantly, the July Charter is expected to be ready within this month," he said while speaking at the beginning of the 11th day of the second phase of discussions with political parties, held at the Foreign Service Academy in the capital.

Prof Riaz said the commission wants to quickly finalise the issues that have already progressed in discussions.

"Many issues have already seen a consensus during the two-month-long first phase of dialogue, which has significantly advanced the drafting of the national charter," said Ali Riaz.

He emphasised the need for agreement on fundamental matters regarding state reforms. "We must shape the state in such an institutional manner that no fascist regime can ever take root in the future," he said.

Representatives from 30 political parties, including the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami, National Citizens' Party (NCP), Gono Odhikar Parishad, Gonosonghoti Andolon, Communist Party of Bangladesh (CPB), Revolutionary Workers' Party, and Amar Bangladesh (AB) Party took part in Thursday's session being held with Prof Ali Riaz in the chair.

Commission members present at the discussion included Justice Md Emdadul Haque, Dr Iftekharuzzaman, Dr Badiul Alam Majumdar, Safar Raj Hossain, Dr Md Ayub Miah and Special Assistant to Chief Adviser Monir Haidar.

The 11th day of dialogue is scheduled to focus on three critical issues -- the appointment of the Chief Justice, the caretaker government system, and the declaration of a state of emergency.