Staff Reporter :
The National Consensus Commission is hopeful of finalising the much-anticipated National Charter by the end of July, according to Co-chair Professor Ali Riaz, as fresh rounds of dialogue resumed on
Tuesday between the commission and major political parties.
“We are committed to preparing the July Charter within July,” Riaz told reporters following the second phase of talks, held at the Foreign Service Academy’s Doel Hall on Bailey Road in the capital. “If discussions continue in this current spirit of cooperation, we are confident we can reach our goal.”
The meeting, which began at 11:45 am, brought together representatives from several opposition parties, including the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), National Citizen Party (NCP), Islami Andolan Bangladesh, Nagorik Oikya, Gono Odhikar Parishad, and Ganosamhati Andolan. Notably, Jamaat-e-Islami did not participate in the session.
Acknowledging the challenges of achieving full consensus, Riaz stressed the importance of compromise in the national interest. “We may not agree on every issue, but we can make necessary concessions for the greater good of the nation and the state,” he said.
The dialogue covered several pressing governance and constitutional reform issues, including amending Article 70 of the Constitution, reforming the process of nominating chairs of parliamentary standing committees, enhancing women’s representation in parliament, considering the introduction of a bicameral legislature and reviewing the appointment process of the Chief Justice.
The commission has scheduled further meetings on 17, 18, and 19 June, aiming to finalise unresolved matters and garner broader political support.
Prominent civil society representatives and commission members, such as Abdul Muyeed Chowdhury, Safar Raj Hossain, Badiul Alam Majumdar, and Iftekharuzzaman, were also present at the session.
The push to establish a National Charter through cross-party consensus follows increasing domestic and international calls for institutional reform in Bangladesh. The goal is to enhance democratic accountability, ensure free and fair elections, and strengthen parliamentary practices.
The initiative gained momentum in the wake of three successive general elections mired in controversy and opposition boycotts, prompting fresh appeals for structural reforms in the political system.
International stakeholders, including foreign diplomatic missions and rights organisations, have also urged the government to pursue reforms aimed at restoring democratic legitimacy and fostering political inclusivity.
The National Consensus Commission, formed earlier this year, has been tasked with forging a minimum common agenda among political forces-an ambitious undertaking not seen in recent years.
As discussions progress, political analysts note that the Charter’s success will hinge on the genuine commitment of major parties to rise above partisanship and act in the interest of long-term national stability.
