Ali Riaz Urges Political Flexibility for Reform Progress

National Consensus Commission Vice Chairman Professor Ali Riaz on Wednesday called on political parties to demonstrate flexibility on key reform issues, emphasising the need to prioritise the nation's interests over partisan positions.

“Please consider how we can all move forward, keeping the interests of the state and the nation above everything else. I’ve said time and again that you all have to make compromises,” he urged.

Prof Riaz made the appeal while presiding over the sixth day of the second round of dialogue at the National Consensus Commission, held at the Foreign Service Academy in the capital.

He noted that progress had been made on some reform matters, though differences remained on others. “We must remember that we came to the table stepping over blood — through the sacrifices of many lives,” he said.

Highlighting the journey to this stage, Prof Riaz said, “This is not the outcome of a one-day struggle. Bangladesh has arrived at this turning point after 16 years of continuous effort and a broader 53-year-long movement to establish democracy and an accountable state.”

“I have full trust that we will reach our desired goal — the formulation of a National Charter,” he added.

Wednesday’s discussions focused on key issues including the fundamental principles of the state, the concept of a bicameral parliament, the electoral system for the upper house, the formation of a National Constitutional Council, the presidential election process, and women’s representation in parliament.

Around 30 political parties participated in the dialogue, including BNP, Jamaat-e-Islami, and the National Citizen Party (NCP), presenting their respective positions on the proposed reforms. The session was broadcast live.

The second round of talks was launched on 2 June by Chief Adviser and Commission Chairman Professor Muhammad Yunus.

Formed on 15 February 2025, under the leadership of Prof Yunus, the Commission was tasked with forging a unified national stance on key state reforms.

The first round of dialogues began on 20 March, with participation from 33 political parties and alliances. It concluded on 19 May.

Following the ongoing discussions, the National Consensus Commission is set to prepare and unveil the July Charter — a comprehensive reform blueprint — next month.