Quick national consensus possible through dialogue: Ali Riaz

National Consensus Commission Vice-Chairman Ali Riaz today (22 March) said a national consensus could be achieved quickly through dialogues involving all political parties.

"There are disagreements and differences of opinion among political parties, but many share common views. All voices will be heard, and I hope we can reach a national consensus through dialogues," he said during a meeting with the Khelafat Majlish at the LD Hall of the Jatiya Sangsad in the morning.

The dialogue continued for a second day with two political parties — Khelafat Majlish and Bangladesh Labour Party — participating in the discussions.

After the meeting, Khelafat Majlish Secretary General Ahmad Abdul Kader told reporters, "Out of the 166 proposals from the National Consensus Commission, we have agreed with 140, disagreed with 10, and partially agreed with 15.

"We believe necessary reforms can be completed within 10 months through ordinances. The current reforms should be implemented before the elections." 

Regarding constitutional matters, he said, "The constitution must maintain faith in Almighty Allah. The proposal for pluralism should be removed. We've stated that democracy is enough."

He also proposed that all parliamentary seats should have direct elections for women and supported a five-year term for parliament.

On the issue of presidential pardons, he suggested, "There should be a board for presidential pardons. No individual should be given the right to grant pardons. We have agreed on the matter of a National Constitutional Council."

Kader emphasised that no law contradicting Islam should be enacted, stating this is necessary for social and religious stability.

When questioned about the Awami League, he said, "Fascists and their associates should not have the opportunity to participate in the upcoming elections. They must face trial first."

"If anyone is proven innocent after trial, then they may return. At this moment, there is no opportunity. Like many others, we do not agree with rehabilitating the Awami League because they have not apologised for killing people," he added. 

Meanwhile, Labour Party Chairman Mostafizur Rahman Iran said they agreed with 147 recommendations, disagreed with seven, and partially agreed with 12. 

"We support a bicameral parliament but oppose dividing the country into four provinces as it would create various problems not applicable to Bangladesh," he added. 

The National Consensus Commission opened its dialogues with political parties last Thursday, starting with the Liberal Democratic Party, aiming to build a national consensus on the reform initiatives undertaken by the interim government.

So far, the commission has received opinions from 15 of the 38 political parties that were requested to submit their views by 13 March on the important recommendations from six reform commissions — the Constitution Reform Commission, the Electoral Reform Commission, the Judiciary Reform Commission, the Public Administration Reform Commission, the ACC Reform Commission, and the Police Reform Commission.

These parties that gave their opinions are Liberal Democratic Party, Khelafat Majlish, Jamiatul Ulama-e-Islam Bangladesh, Zaker Party, Bhasani Anusari Parishad, Nationalist Democratic Movement, Aam Janatar Dal, Rashtro Songskar Andolon, Bangladesh Khelafat Majlish, Bangladesh JSD, Bangladesh Labour Party, Amar Bangladesh Party (AB Party), and Nagorik Oikya.

Following the mass uprising in July-August 2024, the interim government led by Professor Muhammad Yunus formed 11 reform commissions to restructure the state.