The National Consensus Commission (NCC) is aiming to finalize a proposed ‘national charter’ by next month, the commission’s Vice-Chairman Professor Ali Riaz announced on Tuesday (June 17).

He said, “Our goal — as we have stated repeatedly — is to prepare a national charter by July. We are sincerely grateful to all political leaders for their cooperation.”

Ali Riaz  was speaking at the second round of political dialogue hosted by the NCC at the Foreign Service Academy’s Doel Hall in Dhaka. 

Tuesday’s session, which resumed previously incomplete talks, brought together several political parties including the BNP, Nationalist Citizens’ Party (NCP), Islami Andolan Bangladesh, Nagorik Oikya, Gana Odhikar Parishad, and Gana Sanghati Andolon. However, no representatives from Jamaat-e-Islami were present.

Prof Riaz said that while unanimity on all issues may not be possible, progress could still be made through compromise and shared national interest.

“We may not reach agreement on every issue, but we can still identify common ground by making concessions in the interest of the nation and the state,” he said.

Among the key constitutional and structural reforms under discussion are Article 70 of the Constitution, the selection process for the chairperson of parliamentary standing committees, and enhancing women’s political representation. 

Proposals for a bicameral parliament and reforms in the appointment of the Chief Justice are also on the agenda.

The NCC has scheduled a three-day dialogue with political parties from June 17 to 19, in a renewed effort to foster national consensus amid continued political division in the country.

SMS/