Consensus will be difficult, says CPB’s Ruhin Hossain

During a discussion with the National Consensus Commission today (13 May), CPB General Secretary Ruhin Hossain Prince said reaching a consensus over reform issues will be difficult.

In his welcome speech, Ruhin said, "We have repeatedly said that if the interim government goes beyond routine tasks and takes on major undertakings, it will face difficulties. In attempting such difficult tasks, they may face various controversies, and one of the most essential of those tasks—a fair and acceptable election—could be jeopardised."

Ruhin Hossain Prince added that divisions within the forces of the July uprising have created multiple strands of disunity. "I believe, as a result, reaching a consensus will be difficult," he said during the discussion held at the LD Hall of the National Parliament building in Dhaka, aimed at reaching a consensus on reform issues.

Ruhin Hossain Prince proposed that political parties agree on a code of conduct. He said, "Even if we cannot form a grand charter of consensus, if we can at least agree on a code of conduct and complete the necessary reforms to hold elections – by necessary reforms I mean whatever is required for a free and acceptable election – we believe that would still be a step forward."

Along with Professor Ali Riaz, the Vice-President of the National Consensus Commission, members Dr Badiul Alam Majumdar, Safar Raj Hossain, Justice Emdadul Haque, Dr Iftekharuzzaman, Md Ayub Miah, and chief adviser's special assistant Monir Haidar were also present at the meeting.

At the event, Ali Riaz stated that the discussion on restructuring or reforming the state stems from the long-standing political struggle of the parties. "The mass uprising of July–August 2024 has brought these aspirations to the surface," he said. 

"We are at a critical juncture in history, where we are trying to outline a framework for building a democratic and accountable state that ensures equal rights for all citizens and protects those rights. The goal of the National Consensus Commission is to prepare a national charter that will guide the future path of Bangladesh."

Led by CPB President Mohammad Shah Alam and General Secretary Ruhin Hossain Prince, an 11-member delegation took part in the discussion. The delegation included Presidium members Professor A N Rasheda, Kazi Sajjad Zahir Chandan, Aniruddha Das Anjan, and Assistant General Secretary Mihir Ghosh.

On 23 March, the CPB submitted its proposals on reforms to the commission. Yesterday's discussion was held in that context. So far, 32 political parties, including the CPB, have participated in the commission's first round of discussions.