Professor Ali Riaz, Vice Chairman of the National Consensus Commission, said on Saturday that the commission aims to formulate a unified National Charter to fully restore democracy in Bangladesh through time-bound political dialogue.
Speaking at a session with the Jatiyatabadi Samamona Jote at the LD Hall of the National Parliament, Riaz emphasised, “We seek to build consensus through structured discussions. Political parties and alliances must be ready to compromise for national reconstruction and democratic renewal.”
Riaz acknowledged that political actors have come forward with divergent ideological views but stressed that “for the greater good of the nation, parties must be willing to yield ground.”
He also referred to the student-led mass uprising of July last year, calling it “the turning point that laid the foundation of national unity,” adding, “We don’t need to agree on everything. But on core issues—state-building, restructuring, and an accountable democratic system—we must find common ground.”
Calling this the core mission of the Commission, Riaz said the initiative is not about imposing one narrative but crafting an inclusive national framework.
Fariduzzaman Farhad, Chairman of the National People’s Party (NPP) and coordinator of the Jatiyatabadi Samamona Jote, led an 11-member delegation at the dialogue. He disclosed that out of 166 proposals placed by the Commission, the alliance agrees with 112, disagrees with 26, and partially agrees with 28.
On the issue of elections, Farhad warned against prolonged unelected governance, saying, “It breeds instability and public distrust.” Addressing Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus directly, he urged, “Please deliver an election where the people can say, after 15 long years, they’ve finally cast a real vote.”
The dialogue was moderated by Chief Adviser’s Special Assistant Monir Haidar. Members of the Consensus Commission present included Safar Raj Hossain, Dr. Badiul Alam Majumdar, and Dr. Iftekharuzzaman.
The National Consensus Commission was formed on February 12 under the directive of Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus, to review proposals from political stakeholders regarding governance, constitutional reforms, and electoral processes. The commission’s first roundtable with political parties was held on February 15, and since March 20, it has been conducting one-on-one meetings under the leadership of Ali Riaz.