Draft July Charter to be shared with parties tomorrow: Ali Riaz
BNP leader Salahuddin says except for constitutional amendments, all other reforms can be done during the tenure of this govt

The National Consensus Commission will send a consolidated and acceptable draft July Charter to all parties tomorrow (31 July), the commission's Vice Chairman Professor Ali Riaz said.
He was speaking at the 22nd meeting of the second phase of consensus dialogue with political parties yesterday. The dialogue was held at the Foreign Service Academy at the capital's Bailey Road.
Significant progress has been achieved on the issue of women's representation in Parliament. A draft proposal on this matter was shared with the participating parties, Ali Riaz noted.
The Commission has also shared a separate proposal with the political parties regarding the expansion of fundamental rights for citizens.
"All parties have agreed in principle on this matter, though there are differing opinions on how these changes should be reflected in the constitution," he explained.
Today's dialogue was focused on women's representation in parliament, powers and responsibilities of the President (Article 48(3)), presidential election process, electoral college, framework of the upper house of the proposed bicameral parliament, method of electing members and their jurisdiction.
Also in the agenda were proposals related to expanding the fundamental rights of citizens, the fundamental principles of the state, and the appointment processes of the Public Service Commission, the Anti-Corruption Commission, Office of the Comptroller and Auditor General, and the office of the Ombudsman.
BNP agrees with 650 of 826 recommendations: Salahuddin
BNP Standing Committee Member Salauddin Ahmed said that out of 826 recommendations from Reform Commissions, BNP agreed with about 650.
The BNP leader said, "The Consensus Commission gave us a spreadsheet of recommendations from five reform commissions, which initially caused some confusion. But we proceeded issue by issue. Out of 826 recommendations, we've agreed with about 650. In total, we disagreed with 51."
Regarding constitutional reforms, Salauddin said, "Out of 131 recommendations, we directly agreed with 115 and offered suggestions on the rest. The Consensus Commission is discussing 20 major topics."
'Except for constitutional amendments, all other reforms can be done during the tenure of this govt'
Salauddin Ahmed said, "Reforms are already being implemented in several ministries through ordinances. Except for constitutional amendments, all other reforms can be done during the tenure of this government."
He further said, after so much discussion in the Consensus Commission, there is no political party intending to deceive the nation by not implementing the promises made.
He said, "If there had been any doubt about whether the promises would be implemented, these discussions wouldn't have taken place. I don't believe any political party involved here is out to mislead the nation."
He made these remarks during a break in the dialogue last night.
"All political parties are openly participating in national dialogue. Every party is taking part, and the nation is witnessing this," he said.
"Afterwards, the charter will bear the signature of the chief adviser along with those of national leaders. It will be published on a website."
Salauddin Ahmed continued, "Would any party dare to ignore it after that? I don't think there could be a more significant memorandum of understanding or a more important document than this."