The National Consensus Commission has made significant amendments to the proposed agency initially named the “National Constitutional Council (NCC).” In the new draft, the body is renamed the “Constitutional and Established Institutions Appointment Committee.”
Dr. Ali Riaz, Vice-Chairman of the National Consensus Commission disclosed this during the sixth day of the Commission’s second-round talks, held Wednesday at the Doel Multipurpose Hall of the Foreign Service Academy in Dhaka
He explained, “We are holding discussions internally, and also with political parties—to identify where changes, additions, or amendments are possible. I believe this process is how we will reach the framework of a national charter.”
Dr. Riaz noted that despite differences, political parties are actively participating, which he described as a positive sign. He added that both formal and informal communication channels remain open, and he urged parties to make further concessions to maintain the momentum .
The proposed key structural changes include: Removal of the President and Chief Justice from committee membership, inclusion of the Speakers of both Houses instead and reduction in total members to seven, chaired by the Speaker of the Lower House.
According to the new proposal, the seven members now are: Prime Minister, Speaker of the Lower House (Chair), Speaker of the Upper House, Leader of the Opposition, a representative from a minority opposition party, a nominee of the President (meeting legal qualification requirements) and a judge of the Appellate Division nominated by the Chief Justice
Dr. Riaz emphasized that this committee’s authority is confined to appointments in constitutional and legally established institutions, and it will not cover the Attorney General or the heads of the three security forces.
During the session, political parties shared their opinions on this revised proposal. If approved, the Commission anticipates that the new structure will enhance transparency and accountability in key national appointment processes.
At the meeting, at least 30 parties took part—including BNP, Jamaat-e-Islami, NCP, Islami Andolon Bangladesh, and Gono Sanghati Andolan—to discuss topics such as the Constitution, fundamental state principles, the National Election Commission (NCC), a bicameral parliament, presidential election systems, and women’s representation.
The session was moderated by Monir Haider, Special Assistant to the Chief Adviser, with Commission members Badiul Alam Majumdar, Justice Emdadul Haque, Iftikharuzzaman, and Md. Ayub Mia also attending .