Four months of dialogue, 50 sessions, consensus reached only on two reform proposals

The National Consensus Commission has been holding meetings with political parties on reform proposals for four months, starting from February. In 50 total sessions – including 45 meetings with 33 political parties and alliances in the first phase, and five day-long discussions in the second phase – decisions have only been reached on Article 70 of the Constitution and parliamentary standing committees.

The slow progress has raised concerns over the July Charter. However, Commission Vice-Chair Ali Riaz has said they are still working towards finalising it by July.

According to the six-month mandate for the commission, it was tasked with engaging in dialogue with political parties and stakeholders to build consensus on the reform proposals made by the reform commissions on the election system, police, judiciary, public administration, constitution, and anti-corruption.

So far, a decision has been made in the Commission to allow MPs to vote against their party in all cases except money bills and confidence votes by reforming Article 70. However, BNP has submitted a note of dissent, saying that if it comes to power, it will also include matters of constitutional amendments and national security (wartime) under Article 70.

Additionally, it was decided that the opposition will chair four standing committees: Public Accounts, Privileges, Estimates, and Undertakings. However, Jamaat, NCP, and several others have demanded chair positions in more committees proportional to their seats.

While there is policy consensus on forming an upper house of parliament and increasing the number of women's seats, there is no agreement yet on the method of election. Therefore, discussions are ongoing.

Despite majority agreement on forming a National Constitutional Council (NCC), changing the presidential election system, and revising the chief justice appointment process, lack of consensus among a few parties has prevented a policy agreement.

Speaking on the progress, Mujibur Rahman Manju, convener of Amar Bangladesh (AB) Party, said, "The discussions are cordial, the hospitality is good, but the expected results are not coming. Topics like the NCC, presidential election, and prime minister's term have been discussed, but consensus has not been reached. 

"People are watching us. Much money is being spent, yet there are no results. Major parties have greater responsibilities. If they don't want to change the process, change won't happen."

He added, "The Consensus Commission also has a responsibility. Had they precisely focused on the parties with differing views, this would not have dragged on so long."

Commission Vice President Ali Riaz said, "We won't have consensus on every proposal. The issues without consensus will not be included in the national charter. We will agree on some points; the rest will be included in party manifestos. The people will decide what they accept."

He acknowledged time constraints and said public expectations are growing to know what the Commission is doing. To meet those expectations, the second-phase discussions are being broadcast live. He urged all parties to ensure at least minimal consensus.

Accusations of inflexibility in fundamental reforms

Several parties, including National Citizen Party (NCP), have accused BNP of being rigid in discussions on presidential elections, PM term limits, and direct elections to women's seats.

When asked if BNP is rigid on their written stance, the party's standing committee member Salauddin Ahmed told TBS: "We have agreed on many points outside our proposal after discussions with the Commission. We've reached partial and full consensus on judicial reform, magistracy, ACC, and election system reforms."

NCP's chief coordinator (South) Hasnat Abdullah said some parties hope to come to power and manipulate the power structure. He warned that such a structure devoid of public support would not last.

He added that structural flaws of the past have led to the current situation. Those who maintain a rigid stance are ignoring the circumstances.

Frustration over NCC talks

NCP Convener Nahid Islam expressed disappointment over BNP's opposition to the NCC. He said they had hoped for consensus on NCC in the national interest, but that has not happened.

He said, "Institutions like ACC, EC, and the Human Rights Commission have been politicised. Some parties objected to the laws of these commissions in the past, but now we have not got alternative proposals from them, so consensus couldn't be reached. Some parties that initially supported NCC now oppose it without giving reasons."

In response, BNP's Salauddin Ahmed said: "NCC is proposed to have enormous power but lacks accountability. As a democratic party, we cannot support such an institution."

Ali Riaz told journalists that most political parties support such an institution to make constitutional appointments. However, some parties still disagree.