Consensus commission to advise govt. integrating opinions of political parties, experts: Ali Riaz
National Consensus Commission Vice-President Professor Ali Riaz has said that the commission will submit its recommendations to the government within the next one or two days, based on consolidated opinions from five meetings held with political parties and experts regarding the implementation of the July National Charter 2025.
He said that political parties and alliances have urged the commission to incorporate their views and expert opinions in its decision-making process, and to provide the government with clear and actionable advice.
He added that all participants involved in the consultative process will be formally informed once the recommendations are submitted.
Ali Riaz made these remarks in his concluding speech yesterday (Wednesday) at the Foreign Service Academy here following a discussion between the National Consensus Commission and political parties on ways to implement the July National Charter, said a press release issued today.
Among others, Commission Members Justice Md Emdadul Haque, Dr Iftekharuzzaman, Dr Badiul Alam Majumdar, and Dr Md Aiyub Mia and Special Assistant to the Chief Adviser on the consensus-building process Monir Haidar were present.
Professor Ali Riaz said political parties have proposed holding a referendum through a separate ballot on the same day of the national parliamentary election, while some have suggested holding the referendum before the national election.
He added that the commission believes there is a de facto consensus among political parties to empower the 13th Parliament to make fundamental structural amendments to the Constitution within a specified timeframe to implement the July National Charter 2025.
The commission's vice-president also mentioned that experts have unanimously provided five key opinions regarding ways to implement the Charter.
These include: issuing an order for the implementation of the July National Charter 2025, holding a referendum through that order, and placing separate questions in the referendum on issues of consensus and note of dissent.
Through the elections, the Constitutional Reform Council and the 13th National Parliament will be formed. Subject to the approval of the referendum within the timeframe specified in the Council Order, the reforms related to constitutional matters outlined in the July National Charter will be incorporated into the Constitution.
In addition to the signing of the July National Charter 2025, the commission will publish a comprehensive report by October 18-19, said Ali Riaz.
Terming the defeat of fascism through national unity as the greatest achievement, he said this unity must be preserved, as there is no alternative to it.
Representatives from 30 political parties, including Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami, National Citizen Party (NCP), Gono Odhikar Parishad, Gonosanghati Andolon, Communist Party of Bangladesh (CPB), Biplobi Workers Party, and Amar Bangladesh (AB) Party, among others, took part in the discussion with the commission yesterday.