Despite reaching common ground on several issues, political parties participating in the second phase of reform talks have yet to make a breakthrough on any major points, even after seven days of discussions.
Talks between political parties and the National Consensus Commission (NCC) continued on Sunday at the Foreign Service Academy in Dhaka, with discussions centring on proposed constitutional reforms.
Around 30 parties, including BNP, Jamaat-e-Islami, Nationalist Citizen Party, Islami Andolan Bangladesh, AB Party, CPB and Gono Forum, took part in the session chaired by NCC Vice Chairman Professor Dr Ali Riaz.
Sunday’s discussions focused on several core proposals – formation of an Appointment Committee for Constitutional and Statutory Bodies, introduction of a bicameral legislature, election process for the proposed Upper House and roles and responsibilities of the Upper House.
Ali Riaz noted that while some progress has been made through dialogue, a breakthrough on core issues remains elusive.
He expressed uncertainty about the finalisation of the much-anticipated “July Charter”, which the commission hoped to sign by the end of the month.
“Our goal is to bring structural changes to dismantle the system that enabled authoritarianism,” he said, urging the parties to work together. “The commission is not your opponent; it is part of your struggle.”
He added that initial proposals, including reforms to Article 70 and the structure of parliamentary standing committees, have already been revised in response to party feedback.
Meanwhile, the BNP expressed reservations about the proposed Appointment Committee, arguing that it could weaken the authority of the prime minister and the executive branch. In contrast, Jamaat-e-Islami welcomed the proposal, saying it would help maintain balance without undermining executive powers.
Jamaat’s senior leader Dr Syed Abdullah Mohammad Taher also reiterated the party’s position against holding any election without prior reforms.
He supported the idea of a bicameral parliament but insisted that both chambers must reflect the people’s vote rather than being formed solely by members of parliaments.
BNP Standing Committee Member Salahuddin Ahmed, leading his party’s delegation, stressed that consensus must be selective and issue-based. “We do not have to accept all proposals from the NCC,” he said. “Only agreed-upon issues should be ratified and implemented.”
Courtesy: Daily Sun
Bd-pratidin English/FNC
