Political parties to compromise for democratic progress, hopes Ali Riaz

National Consensus Commission Vice-Chairman Professor Ali Riaz has expressed optimism that political parties and alliances will be willing to compromise on their respective positions to rebuild the state and establish a democratic system. 

"Our ultimate goal is to establish a functioning democracy by building national consensus within a set timeframe. To achieve this, we aim to formulate a national charter. In the interest of the nation and state-building, every party and alliance must be prepared to make concessions," he said during a dialogue with Jatiyatabadi Samamona Jote at the LD Hall of the Parliament today (3 May).

Emphasising the importance of national unity, particularly that forged during the mass uprising, Professor Riaz said, "We must find common ground. This does not mean we will agree on every issue, but we hope to reach consensus on the fundamental matters essential to state reconstruction and the establishment of a democratic framework."

A 13-member delegation from the Jatiyatabadi Samamona Jote, led by Advocate Dr Fariduzzaman Farhad, took part in the dialogue. Delegates included freedom fighter Khandaker Lutfar Rahman, ATM Golam Maula Chowdhury, Dr Syed Nazrul Islam, MN Shaon Sadiki, Qari Abu Taher, and others.

Commission members Dr Iftekharuzzaman, Dr Badiul Alam Majumdar, Safar Raj Hossain, and Chief Adviser's Special Assistant Monir Haider were also present at the discussion.

Among the various reform commissions established in the initial phase — the Constitutional Reform Commission, Public Administration Reform Commission, Electoral System Reform Commission, Judiciary Reform Commission, and the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) Reform Commission —recommendations were sent to 39 political parties in spreadsheet format, requesting their specific feedback. 

So far, 35 parties have submitted their opinions on these reform proposals. 

On March 20, the Consensus Commission opened a series of talks with political parties to forge a national consensus on state reform initiatives.

The commission has already held talks with different political parties, including BNP, Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami and National Citizen Party (NCP).

Formed on 15 February under the leadership of Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus, the commission was tasked with shaping a unified national stance on critical reforms.