United News of Bangladesh

Vice Chairman of the National Consensus Commission Prof Ali Riaz on Monday said the primary victory of democracy has been secured through the fleeing of the fascist ruler during the 2024 July-August uprising. “The initial victory of democracy was ensured by the fleeing of the fascist ruler in the 2024 July-August mass uprising. Now, everyone must move forward with collective efforts to achieve the goal of victory,” he said at a dialogue with Ganatantrik Bam Oikya (an alliance of leftist political parties) at the LD Hall of the Jatiya Sangsad Complex. A 20-member delegation, led by coordinator of the alliance and also convener of Social Democratic Party Abul Kalam Azad, joined the talks with the National Consensus Commission. Chairing the discussion, Prof Ali Riaz said the people of Bangladesh have long aspired to establish a democratic state, and their struggles over the last 53 years reflect that enduring desire. “Although that aspiration remains unfulfilled, people have consistently engaged in democratic movements,” he said. Ali Riaz calls for structural reforms to build accountable state Prof Ali Riaz said the National Consensus Commission aims to establish consensus whereas the responsibility of political parties and forces and the civil society in Bangladesh is to maintain the continuity of the democratic struggle and to strengthen this unity to build an accountable state. "We are at a historic juncture. Such an opportunity has never come after the independence (of Bangladesh). So, it is the responsibility of all of us to realise the unfulfilled dream." Consensus Commission members Justice Md Emdadul Haque, Dr Badiul Alam Majumdar, Safar Raj Hossain and Dr Iftekharuzzaman were present at the discussion moderated by Chief Adviser's Special Assistant Monir Haider.

Vice Chairman of the National Consensus Commission Prof Ali Riaz on Wednesday said the aspiration of every citizen of Bangladesh is to create a democratic state where people will not be victims of disappearances, killings and persecutions. “We are trying to achieve the long aspiration of the people of building a democratic state structure," he said while chairing a dialogue with Islami Andolan Bangladesh-IAB (Pir Charmonai) in the capital. An 11-member IAB delegation, led by its secretary general Maulana Yunus Ahmed Sheikh, joined the talks with the National Consensus Commission at the LD Hall of the Jatiya Sangsad Complex. Expressing hope for reaching a consensus by prioritising the interests of the nation, and people, Prof Riaz said, “Each political party has its own ideological plans for governing the state. But, we must rise above our differences and seize the opportunity to shape a democratic state structure.” He said the people's demand is for a democratic society and a democratic state. “I don’t believe consensus will be gained only through formal discussions by the Commission. Rather a united effort is necessary to prepare a national charter,” he added. Commission members Dr Badiul Alam Majumdar, Safar Raj Hossain, Dr Iftekharuzzaman and the Chief Adviser’s Special Assistant Monir Hayder were also present during the discussion. IAB submitted its written opinions to the Consensus Commission over the state reform proposals on April 10. Prof Yunus welcomes investment proposals from UAE in various sectors Earlier on Wednesday morning, a six-member Nagorik Oikya delegation, led by its general secretary Shahidullah Kaiser attended its dialogue with the Consensus Commission for the second day. The National Consensus Commission launched its dialogue series with political parties on March 20, aiming to develop a united stance on the interim government's reform efforts. So far, the Commission has held discussions with 25 political parties. The Commission, formed under the leadership of Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus, has been working since February 15, 2025, to finalise its recommendations for crucial state reforms.

Vice-Chairman of the National Consensus Commission Prof Ali Riaz on Saturday expressed optimism that political parties and alliances will compromise to help carry out reforms and establish a truly democratic system in Bangladesh. “All political parties and alliances are expected to make some compromises in the interest of the nation, state reforms and the establishment of a democratic system. We have all come together in this effort,” he said at a discussion with the Jatiyatabadi Somomona Jote at the LD Hall of the Jatiya Sangsad. Commission members Dr Iftekharuzzaman, Dr Badiul Alam Majumdar, Safar Raj Hossain, and Chief Adviser’s Special Assistant Monir Haider were also present at the discussion. Fascism emerged from democratic void: Ali Riaz The national unity which has been created through the July movement is crucial for the nation’s progress, he said. “We must come together—not necessarily to agree on everything, but to reach consensus on key issues essential to reforming the state and establishing democracy,” Ali Riaz added. A 13-member delegation from the Jatiyatabadi Somomona Jote participated in the dialogue, led by its coordinator Advocate Dr Fariduzzaman Farhad. On March 20 last, the Consensus Commission opened a series of talks with political parties to forge a national consensus on state reform initiatives. The commission has already held talks with different political parties, including BNP, Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami and National Citizen Party (NCP). Formed on February 15, 2025 under the leadership of Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus, the Commission was tasked with shaping a unified national stance on critical reforms.

National Consensus Commission Vice Chairman Prof Ali Riaz on Tuesday said the success of the ongoing political dialogue depends on the unity of democratic forces in Bangladesh. “The extent of our success depends on how united the democratic forces in Bangladesh can remain,” he said while delivering the opening speech during the dialogue between the National Consensus Commission and the Revolutionary Workers Party held at the LD Hall of the Jatiya Sangsad Complex. Talking about the ongoing series of dialogues with political parties, Prof Riaz said there is a consensus on many issues. “We also see differences of opinion on various matters, which we aim to resolve through discussions. A democratic society is inherently pluralistic. We will not all speak the same language, but we share a common goal. That is where we are united, and we will continue to remain so.” Only unity can lead to a new Bangladesh:Prof Ali Riaz He said, “We want — and the people of the country want — that we do not miss this opportunity. It’s time to initiate the process of genuine state-building.” A 10-member delegation of the Revolutionary Workers Party, led by its general secretary Saiful Haque, joined the talks with Prof Ali Riaz presiding. Consensus Commission members Safar Raj Hossain, Dr Badiul Alam Majumdar and Dr Iftekharuzzaman were present at the discussion, moderated by Chief Adviser’s Special Assistant Monir Haider.

Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus on Monday gave necessary directives towards next steps on the reform process as the National Consensus Commission reviewed the progress of the ongoing discussions with political parties. He made the directives during a meeting with the members of the National Consensus Commission held at the State Guest House Jamuna. Prof Yunus encourages Hajj pilgrims to use new app “Labbaik” The meeting was chaired by the head of the Commission and Chief Adviser to the interim government Prof Yunus, and a detailed discussion was held on the reform process, said the Chief Adviser's press wing. Commission Vice-Chairman Prof Ali Riaz informed the head of the Commission about the discussions that have already been held with the political parties. Reforms should come through referendum: Nur Commission members Dr Badiul Alam Majumder, Dr Iftekharuzzaman, Justice Emdadul Hoque and Safar Raj Hossain also participated in the meeting.  Law Adviser Dr Asif Nazrul, Industries and Public Works Adviser Adilur Rahman Khan, and Special Assistant to the Chief Advisor Monir Haider were also present. 

Gono Odhikar Parishad President Nurul Haque Nur on Monday said the agreed reform proposals should be implemented through a referendum under the current interim government to sustain and validate the reforms. “In order to make these things sustainable or to avoid any legal crisis in the future, we have called for the entire reform process to be finalised through a referendum,” he told reporters after his party’s talks with the National Consensus Commission. A Gono Odhikar Parishad delegation, led by Nur, joined the discussion that began at 10:15am with National Consensus Commission Vice Chairman Prof Ali Riaz in the chair at the LD Hall of the Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban. Nur said they want the next general election to be held under a new system and the current government. “So, we want the reforms to be implemented under this government,” he added. In reply to a question, he said if a plebiscite is required to legally validate the reforms, the referendum must be conducted under the current government. “In that case, there is no scope to hold a referendum along with the national election,” Nur added. Reforms agreed through dialogue must be implemented by current govt: Nur “If there is a process to accept the reforms or a referendum to give them legal validity, it should be done now. There is no scope to hold a referendum simultaneously with the national election,” he said. During his opening speech at the dialogue, Nur also said the reform proposals finalised through dialogue must be implemented by the current interim government, no matter what. “At any cost, the reforms agreed upon through discussions must be implemented under this government,” he said. He said all parties must remain committed and strongly pursue the implementation of effective reforms in the greater interest of the country and the people. “In the case of reforms, national interest and the country should be given priority over personal benefits or the interests of any party or group. This is our appeal to the commission,” he added. Gono Odhikar backs bicameral parliament with 4-year tenure, 2-term limit for PM: Nur told reporters that his party supported the proposed bicameral parliament with a four-year tenure, a two-term limit for the Prime Minister, changes to Article 70 of the Constitution, and the formation of a National Constitutional Council (NCC). He said a person should not be allowed to serve as Prime Minister for more than two terms, whether consecutively or over a lifetime. Regarding Article 70 of the Constitution, which bars an MP from voting against their party in Parliament, he said they supported the proposal to lift this bar—except in cases involving constitutional amendments, the finance bill, and votes of confidence. On the formation of the NCC, he said the Bengali name should be ‘Jatiya Sangbidhanik Parishad’, replacing the word ‘Council’ with ‘Parishad’. He also said they proposed replacing the word ‘pluralism’ with ‘religious harmony’ in the main principles of the Constitution. Nur said they recommended that the tenure of the caretaker or election-time government could be four months. Regarding local government bodies, he said they supported the proposal to establish a permanent and independent local government commission. Consensus Commission members Safar Raj Hossain, Justice Emdadul Haque, Dr Badiul Alam Majumdar and Dr Iftekharuzzaman were present at the discussion moderated by Chief Adviser’s Special Assistant Monir Haider. Gono Odhikar Parishad earlier agreed with 127 of the 166 proposals made by the Commission, partially agreed with 23, and disagreed with 15. Fascism may return if polls held without reforms: JSD He said the party changed its opinions and agreed with eight more proposals. “So, we now agreed with a total of 135 proposals,” he said. About the registration of a new political party, Nur said they suggested no party should be registered unless it doesn’t have active activities for a minimum of three to four years. On March 20 last, the Consensus Commission opened a series of talks with political parties to forge a national consensus on state reform initiatives. With Gono Odhikar Parishad, the Consensus Commission held discussions with 20 political parties, including BNP, Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami, and the National Citizen Party (NCP). Jamaat to fully support constructive, realistic reforms: Taher Formed on February 15, 2025, under the leadership of Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus, the Commission was tasked with shaping a unified national stance on critical reforms.

Ganasamhati Andolon Chief Coordinator Zonayed Saki on Sunday stressed the need for fixing a specific timeframe for the next national election. “If the election is to be held after December, the reasons must be explained,” he said after a dialogue with the National Consensus Commission. Referring to Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus’ announcement that the election will be held between December this year and June next year, Saki said, “Other advisers also said they will not go beyond this timeline. We think the timeframe should be more specific and finalised through discussion.” The discussion was held with National Consensus Commission Vice-Chairman Prof Ali Riaz in the chair. A 10-member delegation of Ganasamhati Andolon, Zonayed Saki, participated in the discussion at the LD Hall of the Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban. Ganosamhati Andolon joins talks with Consensus Commission The Ganasamhati Andolon Chief Coordinator hoped that the government would sit with the stakeholders to fix the time for the election. “If the polls are deferred beyond December, the rationale must be clarified,” he said. About Constitutional reform, he said the Constitution cannot be changed without people's mandate or without a Parliament. But, administrative matters (reforms) beyond the Constitution can be changed through executive orders by the interim government and validated by the next government, he added. On Article 70 of the Constitution that doesn't allow an MP to vote in Parliament against his or her party , Saki said, “We have proposed reforming it in a way so that MPs can vote freely on all matters except the votes of confidence and budget bills. This will help balance power and enhance Parliamentarian’s role as a true representative of the people.” Speaking on the balance of power between the President and the Prime Minister, Ganasamhati Andolon Executive Coordinator Abul Hasan Rubel said, “Now the President cannot act apparently without the permission from the Prime Minister. “We want to change it by giving the President the authority for specific appointments and certain tasks,” he said. He also demanded a structural balance among the three branches of the state—executive, legislature, and judiciary—within the Constitution. Ganasamhati Andolon agreed with 138 out of 166 reform proposals of the National Consensus Commission. The party partially agreed with 13 others and disagreed with the 11 proposals and did not make any comment over four reform proposals. Consensus Commission members Safar Raj Hossain, Dr Badiul Alam Majumdar and Dr Iftekharuzzaman were present at the discussion moderated by Chief Adviser’s Special Assistant Monir Haider. On March 20 last, the Consensus Commission opened a series of talks with political parties to forge a national consensus on state reform initiatives. The commission has already held talks with 17 political parties, including BNP, Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami and National Citizen Party (NCP). Formed on February 15, 2025, under the leadership of Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus, the Commission was tasked with shaping a unified national stance on critical reforms.

Jatiya Samajtantrik Dal-JSD on Sunday feared that the past fascism is likely to return, if the next election is held without necessary reforms to the existing system. “If we move towards a new regime (through an election) on the existing system without restructuring it, there will be a possibility of the old order (fascism) returning,” JSD general secretary Shahid Uddin Mahmud Swapan said during a dialogue with the National Consensus Commission here. An eight-member JSD delegation, led by Swapan, took part in the talks held at the LD Hall of the Jatiya Sangsad complex in the afternoon. National Consensus Commission Vice Chairman Prof Ali Riaz presided over the session. Swapan said it is not possible to build a new Bangladesh on the foundation of the existing political arrangement, stressing that structural reforms in the governance system are essential. He said a past fascist regime had used this very system to establish authoritarian rule—killing people, depriving them of their rights, looting public wealth, setting up Aynaghar (secret prisons), and destroying all state institutions. “The state’s structure now stands at its lowest point,” he said. BNP leader Khasru, 4 others acquitted in case under Special  Powers Act   Welcoming the initiative to formulate a national charter, he said, “The steps taken to prepare the National Charter will serve as a historic document for the present and generations.” “Whatever consensus we reach now can be implemented. But the future generation will also be able to use the charter as a guide to rebuild the state,” he added. He underscored the need for preparing the national charter based on a minimum consensus among all political parties. JSD agreed with 119 out of 166 reform proposals of the National Consensus Commission. The party partially agreed with 27 others and disagreed with the 17 proposals. Besides, JSD made no comment over the remaining three proposals. Consensus Commission members Safar Raj Hossain, Justice Emdadul Haque, Dr Badiul Alam Majumdar and Dr Iftekharuzzaman were present at the discussion moderated by Chief Adviser’s Special Assistant Monir Haider. The JSD delegation members included its senior vice president Tania Rob, vice presidents Siraj Miah, Sanowar Hossain Talukder, KM Kabir and Towhid Hossain and joint general secretary Kamal Uddin Patwary. On March 20 last, the Consensus Commission opened a series of talks with political parties to forge a national consensus on state reform initiatives. Ganosamhati Andolon joins talks with Consensus Commission The commission has already held talks with 18 political parties, including BNP, Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami and National Citizen Party (NCP). Formed on February 15, 2025, under the leadership of Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus, the Commission was tasked with shaping a unified national stance on critical reforms.

Ganasamhati Andolon joined talks with the National Consensus Commission on Sunday morning. The discussion began at 10:15 am with National Consensus Commission Vice-Chairman Prof Ali Riaz in the chair. A 10-member delegation of Ganasamhati Andolon, led by its Chief Coordinator Zonayed Saki, participated in the discussion at the LD Hall of the Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban. Consensus Commission members Safar Raj Hossain, Justice Emdadul Haque, Dr Badiul Alam Majumdar and Dr Iftekharuzzaman were present at the discussion moderated by Chief Adviser’s Special Assistant Monir Haider. On March 20 last, the Consensus Commission opened a series of talks with political parties to forge a national consensus on state reform initiatives. Jamaat joins talks with Consensus Commission The commission has already held talks with 17 political parties, including BNP, Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami and National Citizen Party (NCP). Formed on February 15, 2025, under the leadership of Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus, the Commission was tasked with shaping a unified national stance on critical reforms.

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami wants a bicameral parliament in Bangladesh with five-year tenure, said its Nayeb-e-Ameer Syed Abdullah Muhammad Taher on Saturday. “We've agreed on the bicameral parliament issue” he said at a press briefing during the lunch break of talks with the National Consensus Commission at the LD Hall of the Jatiya Sangsad Complex. He said there were proposals to reduce Parliament and Presidential tenures to four years from five years. “But we told them that it wouldn’t be right. The tenures should be of five years,” said Taher. A 10-member Jamaat delegation, led Syed Abdullah Muhammad Taher, participated in the discussion that began at 10:30am with Vice Chairman of the National Consensus Commission Prof Ali Riaz in the chair. Consensus Commission members Safar Raj Hossain, Justice Emdadul Haque, Dr Badiul Alam Majumdar and Dr Iftekharuzzaman were present at the discussion moderated by Chief Adviser’s Special Assistant Monir Haider. Jamaat to fully support constructive, realistic reforms: Taher Jamaat delegation members included its Secretary General Professor Mia Golam Porwar, assistant secretaries general Rafiqul Islam Khan, AHM Hamidur Rahman Azad and Ehsanul Mahbub Jubair, publicity and media affairs secretary Matiur Rahman Akand, Jamaat Dhaka South City unit Ameer Nurul Islam Bulbul and Shishir Monir. On March 20 last, the National Consensus Commission opened its dialogues with political parties aiming to build a national consensus on the reform initiatives undertaken by the interim government. The commission has already held talks with 16 political parties, including BNP and National Citizen Party (NCP). The commission formed under the leadership of Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus aims to establish a unified stance on critical reforms.