Staff Reporter :
As the anniversary of last year’s historic ‘July Uprising’ approaches, Professor Ali Riaz, co-chair of the National Consensus Commission, has voiced concern over the slow pace and uncertain outcome of ongoing political dialogue.
Speaking on Sunday at the Doel Hall of the Foreign Service Academy during the seventh day of the second phase of multiparty reform talks, Professor Riaz said that discussions with political parties had so far produced limited progress.
He expressed doubt over whether the parties would be able to jointly endorse the long-anticipated July Charter on the upcoming commemoration of Abu Sayeed’s martyrdom.
“We had hoped to collectively sign the July Charter on the anniversary of Sayeed’s sacrifice,” Riaz said. “But at this stage, it remains uncertain. The responsibility lies squarely with the political parties. We remain cautiously concerned.”
Sunday’s session did not introduce any new agenda items, instead revisiting unresolved issues from earlier discussions.
These included proposals for a bicameral parliament, the method for selecting members of a potential Upper House, and defining its roles and responsibilities.
Reforming the process for appointing members to constitutional and statutory bodies also remained under discussion.
Reflecting on last year’s political movement, Riaz urged the parties to remember the unity displayed during the July Uprising.
“We all remember the repression we faced, the authoritarianism we resisted. Last July, we didn’t raise party flags-we stood together under the national flag,” he said. “We shared the cost of our struggle.”
He emphasised the importance of taking decisive steps within July. “This is not just about meeting deadlines or drafting documents. It’s about ensuring that no one can again manipulate the Constitution to centralise power and weaken democracy,” he said.
“The threat of authoritarian revival is real. These issues demand clear constitutional safeguards, particularly the establishment of a truly independent judiciary.”
Calling on political parties to rise above partisan considerations, Riaz warned against a return to the previous political status quo. “None of us want to go back to what we escaped.
We must reflect: how much of what we promised last July has been fulfilled? Are we here to defend party interests, or to serve the nation?”
He also defended the Commission’s evolving positions on key reform proposals, describing its approach as adaptive rather than rigid. “We are not here to oppose you,” he said.
“We have revised our views on matters like Article 70, the structure of the Upper House, and the makeup of the National Consensus Council. These revisions reflect your shared aspirations. We are here to facilitate progress-not impose it.”
Sunday’s session was moderated by Monir Hayder, Special Assistant to the Chief Adviser. Other commission members in attendance included Badiul Alam Majumdar, Justice Md Emdadul Haque, Dr Iftekharuzzaman, and Md Ayub Miah.
