Opportunity for everyone to rebuild the nation together for first time since independence: Ali Riaz

For the first time since independence, an opportunity has been created for everyone to rebuild the nation together, Ali Riaz, vice-chairman of the National Consensus Commission, has said.

"This has been made possible at the cost of at least 1,400 lives. We are responsible to those who sacrificed their lives to create this opportunity. We should truly begin the nation-building process from this responsibility and commitment," he said during discussions between the commission and the Revolutionary Workers Party at the LD Hall of the National Parliament Building in Dhaka today (29 April). 

"The extent of our success depends on how united the democratic forces in Bangladesh can remain," Ali added.

Commission members Iftekharuzzaman, Badiul Alam Majumdar, Safar Raj Hossain, and Chief Adviser's Special Assistant Monir Haidar were present at the discussion, reads a press release issued by the commission.

Noting that different ideologies should be practised in a democratic society, Ali Riaz said, "There will be differences of opinion in a democratic society. Our language may differ, but our goal is one." 

"We all want to create a national charter together. We are united with that intention. How much success we can achieve depends on the unity of democratic forces in Bangladesh," he added. 

A 10-member delegation of the Revolutionary Workers Party, led by its General Secretary Saiful Huq, joined the talks with Ali Riaz presiding.

Saiful said, "Political parties have made commitments to the public and promises to the people. If the National Consensus Commission can demonstrate wisdom and foresight, an understanding will be created among political parties by the upcoming June, and everyone will agree on the issue of minimum national consensus."

"This will be the political achievement of the student-people's mass uprising," he added.

"We do not want to return to the old era, which transforms one party into an ultimately authoritarian party and its leadership into ultimate fascist oppressors," Saiful said. 

"The mandate of this student-worker-people's mass uprising is to move beyond that era and begin a democratic journey, ensuring people's voting rights and democratic rights.

"Considering the reforms and the elections that people have been waiting for over 16 years, Bangladesh will move forward," he added.