State reforms: Consensus Commission to continue talks with political parties

The National Consensus Commission (NCC) will continue discussions with political parties and experts to explore ways to implement the reform proposals agreed upon during the first and second round of the reform talks.

The decision came from a meeting of the commission held at the Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban today (3 August).

"The meeting reviewed the issues on which consensus had been established in the first and second phases of discussions with political parties. It was decided that the commission will in phases discuss the proposals or recommendations with experts and, in that order, with political parties and alliances," said a press release.

Most political parties and alliances have already provided their opinions on the initial draft of the 'July National Charter 2025' sent by the Consensus Commission.

The commission decided to urge those parties that have not yet responded to provide their opinions quickly.

According to commission sources, the NCC plans to engage all parties in talks to prepare a roadmap for implementing the 'July National Charter'. But these discussions may be held both formally and informally, the sources added.

Presided over by NCC Vice Chair Prof Ali Riaz, the meeting was attended by its members Safar Raj Hossain, Justice Emdadul Haque, Dr Badiul Alam Majumdar, Dr Iftekharuzzaman and Dr Md Ayub Miah and Chief Adviser's Special Assistant Monir Haidar.

The NCC concluded second-round dialogues with some 30 political parties and alliances on 31 July.

Earlier, on 28 July, the commission had sent the draft of the 'July National Charter 2025' to the parties and requested feedback on it.

Formed on 15 February, under the leadership of Chief Adviser Prof Yunus, the Commission was tasked with forging a unified national stance on crucial state reforms.

The Commission held its first round of talks with the political parties and alliances between 20 March and 19 May.