'Wide-ranging cooperation from all parties': Ali Riaz says as Consensus Commission to submit final report to govt soon
“By 10 October, we will submit three recommendations to the government regarding the implementation of the July Charter,” said Professor Ali Riaz
The National Consensus Commission has received "wide-ranging cooperation" from political parties and "unimaginable support" from the media, commission vice-president Professor Ali Riaz said.
The National Consensus Commission will soon submit its final report to the interim government. The commission's vice-president, Professor Ali Riaz, revealed this information during a meeting today (5 October), chaired by Chief Adviser and Commission President Muhammad Yunus at the state guest house Jamuna.
The nearly hour-long meeting reviewed the contents of the July National Charter and discussed how the political parties have responded to its proposed implementation process.
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"The commission has worked inclusively, drawing on inputs from both political representatives and experts to finalise the recommendations," Professor Ali Riaz said.
Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus expressed satisfaction over the progress made by the commission. He thanked all members for their contributions and directed them to keep him informed about the final stages of the commission's work as soon as possible.
Meeting reviews political parties' positions on July Charter implementation
Earlier in the day, the commission began its fourth round of discussions with political parties at the Foreign Service Academy's Doel Hall on the implementation strategy of the July National Charter 2025, which includes 84 reform proposals.
Today's session primarily focused on how much the differences among political parties have narrowed regarding the implementation process. If necessary, the commission may also incorporate specific and refined recommendations from experts.
Although the commission remains hopeful of achieving consensus, parties continue to hold firm positions, with little progress even in informal talks.
Speaking to The Business Standard, Professor Ali Riaz said, "This meeting is taking place after a 20-day interval. We hope the parties will come closer in their positions. We expect tomorrow's meeting to resolve everything, but if more time is needed, discussions may continue for another day."
When asked how the commission would proceed if the parties fail to reach consensus, he said, "By 10 October, we will submit three recommendations to the government regarding the implementation of the July Charter. These will reflect a synthesis of our expert panel's views and the political parties' opinions."
On whether the commission plans to introduce new proposals, Professor Riaz said, "We will first consult the political parties. If necessary, we will coordinate with expert opinions before finalising new recommendations."
Sources said the BNP has agreed to seek the Supreme Court's opinion under Article 106, while Jamaat-e-Islami remains firm on issuing a constitutional order, and the NCP insists on convening a Constituent Assembly.
The commission, however, is working to find a way to harmonise the three positions.
The Consensus Commission, formed on 15 February last under the Chief Adviser of the Interim Government Prof Muhammad Yunus, to prepare a reform charter by 15 July 2025.
Later, its tenure was extended on several occasions. Now the NCC will need to find a mechanism for the implementation of the July Charter within the next 10 days as its extended tenure will expire on 15 October.
