Slow progress in talks, yet Consensus Commission remains hopeful

Infograph: TBS

The National Consensus Commission has held 55 meetings in two phases with political parties over nearly five months, yet discussions have only concluded on six issues. 

While nine topics have seen principled agreement, 10 matters remain under negotiation. In addition, three topics have not been discussed at all. None of the fundamental constitutional issues have been resolved so far.

Still, Vice-Chair of the Consensus Commission Professor Ali Riaz expressed hope that a "July Charter" on reform could be drafted by mid-July, citing recent progress in a few areas during the last three meetings.

On 2 July, Riaz said, "Sometimes we make progress, sometimes we don't, which is disappointing. But today, I believe we'll be able to move towards a charter by mid-July."

He added that both formal and informal communications are ongoing between the Commission and various parties, coalitions, and individuals, giving him confidence that agreement is possible.

"We may not be achieving success every day, but we're learning from one another, evaluating frameworks, and striving for progress," he said.

According to the Commission, the first phase included 45 sessions with 33 political parties and coalitions. In the second phase, 10 collective meetings were held up to 9 July covering around 17 topics.

Issues resolved include Article 70 of the Constitution, leadership of parliamentary standing committees, delineation of constituencies, presidential pardon authority, judicial decentralisation, and gradual expansion of lower courts to the upazila level.

Nine areas of principled agreement are– creation of an upper house of parliament, reintroduction of the caretaker government, increasing reserved seats for women from 50 to 100, formation of a 100-member upper house, amendment of emergency provisions, secret ballot for presidential elections, inclusion of the principles of equality, human dignity and social justice as mentioned in the Declaration of Independence, reform of the Chief Justice appointment process, and the BNP's conditional agreement to a 10-year cap on a person serving as prime minister.

No discussion has yet begun on the constitutional amendment process, women's representation in local government, or formation of district coordination councils.

Ten topics remain under discussion– the electoral method for women's seats in the lower house, structure and functions of the upper house, appointment of the Chief Justice, creation of an NCC or appointments commission for constitutional/statutory bodies, presidential election procedure and expanded powers, term limits for the prime minister, state principles, formation and structure of the caretaker government including appointment of chief adviser, emergency provisions, and reform proposals from the electoral reform commission.

Hasnat Abdullah, chief organiser (south) of Jatiya Nagorik Party commented that some parties aim to manipulate the power structures in their favour if they assume office, but such arrangements won't last.

Mujibur Rahman Manju of Amar Bangladesh Party noted that while the discussions and hospitality have been good during the dialogues, outcomes have fallen short. 

Jamaat-e-Islami's Assistant Secretary General Hamidur Rahman Azad earlier expressed frustration on 22 June over the lack of conclusions from discussions. "We make some progress and then fall back. The public is watching us. State resources are being spent but with no tangible output. We must focus on agenda-based, time-bound discussions," he said.

BNP's Joint Secretary General Syed Emran Saleh Prince told TBS that BNP has made concessions to reach consensus.

"The party has agreed to more than 90% of the proposals regarding reforms under the interim government. BNP has made compromises on many issues to reach consensus in the interest of national unity, democracy, and the people.

"However, compromising on matters that go against the will of the people, democracy, and the country's political heritage and culture would be like jumping into the sea with hands and feet tied. Decisions must be made in light of the country's realities. We hope the Consensus Commission will do so."