NCP criticises consensus commission for deferring reforms to next parliament

Akhtar Hossain, member-secretary of the National Citizen Party (NCP), has strongly criticised the National Consensus Commission for what he termed a "deliberate attempt" to defer constitutional and structural reforms to the next parliament.

Speaking to reporters today (7 July) following the 10th day of the second phase of the consensus discussions at the Foreign Service Academy in Dhaka, Akhtar warned that postponing the implementation of reform decisions would render the commission's efforts ineffective.

"Today's session leaned heavily toward pushing the reform agenda to the next parliament. We, the members sitting here, represent the people. The interim government has the mandate to implement these reforms."

"We do not support handing over this responsibility to a future parliament," he declared.

Calling for the formation of a constituent assembly to adopt an amended constitution, Akhtar added, "The only way to ensure meaningful reform is through forming an assembly to deliberate and enact a new constitution that reflects the roadmap agreed in the commission's discussions."

The NCP leader also warned against reducing the July Charter — a reference to the evolving reform framework born out of last year's July Uprising — to a mere symbolic document.

"The July Charter must lay down the foundations of Bangladesh's future political structure. This is not just a paper — this will determine the architecture of Bangladesh in the future."

He further emphasised that any future state of emergency provisions must ensure visa access rights and protect fundamental civil liberties.

"There must be a clear framework governing how emergency powers are imposed and exercised," Akhtar said.

"No one's right to obtain a visa should be curtailed during such times, and a thorough debate is needed to clarify which human and constitutional rights will remain protected under emergency rule," he stated.