United News of Bangladesh

Political parties are nearing a consensus on several key reform proposals, including the restoration of the caretaker government, introduction of a bicameral parliament and reservation of 100 seats for women in Parliament. Vice Chairman of the National Consensus Commission Prof Ali Riaz on Monday revealed the Commission's progress in building consensus over the state reform initiatives at a press briefing at the LD Hall of the Jatiya Sangsad Complex here.  Tarique Rahman expects most credible election soon under Dr Yunus “There is no disagreement among the political parties over restoration of the caretaker government,” he said. Prof Ali Riaz said most of the political parties opined for not to keep ‘pluralism’ alongside ‘equity, human dignity, social justice and democracy’ as the basic principles of the state in the Constitution. “Most of the parties have agreed in principle to form a bicameral parliament. However, some parties have given their opinion for maintaining a unicameral parliament,” he said. But all parties supported a proposal to pick an opposition lawmaker for the post of the Deputy Speaker, said the Commission’s vice chairman. “There is a sort of consensus among the parties for reserving 100 seats for women in the lower house of the parliament. But there is disagreement over its procedure,” said Prof Ali Riaz. Consensus commission members Dr Badiul Alam Majumdar, Dr Iftekharuzzaman, Justice Emdadul Haque, Safar Raj Hossain and Md Ayub Miah and Chief Adviser's Special Assistant Monir Haider were present. The Consensus Commission opened a series of talks with political parties on March 20 last to forge a national consensus on state reform initiatives undertaken by the interim government.  Rizvi accuses advisers of misleading people on BNP’s election demand The Commission held talks with 33 parties and alliances including BNP, Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami and National Citizen Party (NCP) before concluding the first round of dialogues on May 19 last. 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.

The National Consensus Commission wants to translate the aspirations of the 2024 mass uprising into a concrete form through a national charter, said commission’s Vice-Chairman Prof Ali Riaz on Thursday. “We want to reflect the spirit of national consensus in a national charter so that every political party can play a role in realising its goals and objectives in the future,” he said at a dialogue with Bangladesher Samajtantrik Dal (BSD) in the city. An 11-member BSD delegation, led by its General Secretary Bazlur Rashid Firoz, joined the talks at the LD Hall of the Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban. Chairing the session, Prof Riaz said the initiative (reform initiative) of the National Consensus Commission is rooted in the long expectations of the people of Bangladesh. “The commission wants to give concrete form to the aspirations that were exposed through the 2024 July-August mass uprising,” he said. Structural reforms must to make Bangladesh democratic: Ali Riaz The Consensus Commission Vice Chairman said the current political situation in Bangladesh is the result of prolonged struggles by both the people and political forces. “The people of this country do not want a return of fascism again and again. We want to build a state where equality prevails, citizens' rights are ensured, and differing views are respected,” he added. Prof Riaz said the commission is working to build consensus through discussions with political parties, based on the recommendations of various reform commissions. “This responsibility does not lie with the National Consensus Commission alone. Political parties must move forward by reflecting the aspirations of the people,” he said. Flee of 'fascist ruler' a primary democratic victory: Ali Riaz Commission members Justice Md Emdadul Haque, Dr Badiul Alam Majumdar, Safar Raj Hossain, Dr Iftekharuzzaman,and Dr Md Ayub Miah were present in the discussion moderated by Chief Adviser's Special Assistant Monir Haider.    

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 said on Thursday the importance of implementing structural reforms to establish a transparent and accountable state, which he believes, will pave the way for a prosperous future for the coming generations in Bangladesh. “If we can build an accountable state through structural transformation, future generations will consider Bangladesh an ideal place,” he said while presiding over a dialogue with Bhashani Onushari Parishad at the LD Hall of the Jatiya Sangsad. A 15-member delegation of Bhashani Onushari Parishad, led by its chairman Sheikh Rafiqul Islam Babul, joined the talks arranged by the National Consensus Commission. Prof Riaz said the country’s transformation can begin by forging unity similar to the past resistance against fascism. “We fought together against fascism. By forging the similar unity, we can initiate the process of change in Bangladesh.” He said people have aspired for an accountable state for the last 53 years. Former President Abdul Hamid leaves Dhaka for Thailand Recalling the mass uprising in July, he said, “Millions of people took to the streets and many sacrificed their lives. That was a clear message to us—that in the future, no citizen or youth of Bangladesh should have to give their life on the streets just to establish their rights.” He expressed the hope that the political parties and forces would reach a consensus. The National Consensus Commission is playing the role of a catalyst. “Political parties and people must unite in this cause. If so, it will be for us to achieve it.” The National Consensus Commission Vice Chairman said every political party and force fighting against fascism over the last 16 years has had one goal—to establish a democratic Bangladesh. The goal is to ensure no one falls victim to enforced disappearance or extrajudicial killings, an independent judiciary to protect citizens' rights, an accountable state where no prime minister or a person remains above the law or centralizes power. “We are moving forward with that objective in mind,” he added. Feni BNP leader arrested for public humiliation of two mothers Commission members Safar Raj Hossain, Justice Emdadul Haque, Dr Badiul Alam Majumdar and Dr Iftekharuzzaman were also present in the discussion moderated by Chief Adviser’s Special Assistant Monir Haider.    

National Consensus Commission Vice Chairman Prof Ali Riaz on Tuesday said the second phase of dialogue aimed at preparing a National Charter will begin soon after May 15. “The first phase of discussions will conclude by May 15. After that, we will be able to enter the second phase, which will begin soon,” he said while presiding over a discussion with the National Citizen Party (NCP) at the LD Hall of the Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban. A four-member NCP delegation, led by its member secretary Akhtar Hossain, joined the talks with the National Consensus Commission for the second day. At the outset of the discussion, the NCP submitted the outlines for fundamental reforms to the National Consensus Commission. Akhtar Hossain handed over the outlines to Prof Ali Riaz. “We are advancing discussions with political parties both formally and informally. Through this process, we are trying to formulate a National Charter that aims to outline the path to establishing a democratic state in the future,” Prof Riaz said. Dhaka-Mymensingh Highway blocked over RMG worker's death in Gazipur He noted that the reform outlines submitted by the NCP would certainly assist in drafting the National Charter. The NCP delegation also included its chief organiser (northern region) Sarjis Alam and joint conveners Sarwar Tushar and Jabed Rasin. Members of the Consensus Commission—Safar Raj Hossain, Justice Emdadul Haque, Dr Badiul Alam Majumdar, Dr Iftekharuzzaman, and Dr Mohammad Ayub Miah—were present at the discussion, which was moderated by Chief Adviser’s Special Assistant Monir Haider. The meeting is part of a series of dialogues with political parties to build a national consensus on state reform initiatives undertaken by the interim government. Earlier on April 18, the NCP participated in discussions with the Commission. The party had also submitted its written opinions on the reform recommendations on March 24. 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. Political parties to compromise for state reforms, hopes Ali Riaz 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.

Vice Chairman of the National Consensus Commission Prof Ali Riaz on Monday said only unity among all political forces, democratic actors and the mass people can steer the country towards a new Bangladesh by implementing public aspirations. “Only the reports, recommendations and opinions of the Reform Commissions are not enough; rather we can advance the country towards a new Bangladesh through the unity of all political forces, democratic forces, and the mass people,” he said while speaking at a dialogue with Gono Odhikar Parishad in the morning. A nine-member delegation of Gono Odhikar Parishad, led by its President Nurul Haque Nur, participated in the discussion started at the LD Hall of the Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban. Presiding over the discussion, Prof Ali Riaz said they are working to realise the long-cherished democratic aspirations of the people of the country. “This discussion is a part of our collective effort to open the path for implementing the democratic aspirations the people of Bangladesh have been cherishing for 53 years, and to establish a democratic state,” he added. Rains likely across country, temperature may drop He urged all to come forward to materialise the possibility of reform that emerged after the July Mass Uprising. “The people of Bangladesh, under the leadership of the youths, have created a promising opportunity—let us all move forward together to make that a reality,” he said. 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 talksi with political parties to forge a national consensus on state reform initiatives. The commission has already held talks with 19 political parties, including BNP, Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami and National Citizen Party (NCP). 3 shops gutted in Mohammadpur fire 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.      

Vice Chairman of the National Consensus Commission Prof Ali Riaz on Sunday stressed the need for the democratic forces to remain united to address the deep-rooted crisis Bangladesh has been facing for a long time. “There are attempts to address the deep-rooted crises Bangladesh has been facing for a long time. Implementing only the reports of reform commissions is not enough. What we need is to build a democratic state structure and practice democracy. And it is essential for the democratic forces to stay united,” he said while speaking at a dialogue with Ganasamhati Andolon in the morning. Whispers of Thunder: Unstable skies loom over Bangladesh A 10-member delegation of Ganasamhati Andolon, led by its Chief Coordinator Zonayed Saki, participated in the talks at the LD Hall of the Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban.  Presiding over the discussion, Prof Ali Riaz said the collective efforts of people compelled the fascist ruler to flee. “It’s now essential to uphold that unity and carry forward its spirit. This is not just our commitment—it is our obligation,” he said.  He recollected those who gave their lives, fought and were injured and killed in the July uprising and those who had fought against all kinds of oppression for the past 16 years before the uprising. “We owe a debt to all those who, over the past 53 years, have tried to establish a democratic, accountable and inclusive state in Bangladesh, and a state that ensures citizens’ rights,” he added. Terming the ongoing dialogue on reforms a step forward, Prof Riaz said they have been able to make progress at least to some extent. “But if we fail to uphold and carry forward it (this progress), all opportunities may slip away. To do so, it needs a collective effort.” He said they are making collective efforts to build Bangladesh as a democratic and accountable state for not only the present generation but also the future generations, and expressed the hope that a national charter can be prepared soon through the consensus of all political parties. 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. Daughter of July Movement martyr ‘commits suicide’ after rape  On March 20 last, the Consensus Commission opened 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.  

Vice Chairman of the National Consensus Commission Prof Ali Riaz on Saturday said the scope for reform that has emerged must not be missed under any circumstances. “We are at a historic moment. We owe a debt to the brave martyrs who have created this opportunity for us. It must not be allowed to slip away,” he said. Prof Riaz made the remarks while delivering his introductory speech at the talks with Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami at the LD Hall of the Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban. He said this opportunity should be utilised to build a Bangladesh where no one will face oppression and no one has to deal with extrajudicial measures. Plot underway to foil election: Murad  Prof Riaz said they are keen to reach a national consensus quickly. “We will hold discussions and through dialogue, our goal is to move forward towards reaching a national charter,” he said. “We are all together in this process. We are making a collective effort. This is not an issue of any single political party. In fact, it is not just a matter of political parties—it concerns everyone. We are trying to reflect the aspirations of the nation,” he added. Mentioning that discussions will continue, if necessary, he said they all share the same goal. “We are trying together, and our collective success depends on our sincere joint efforts.” A 10-member Jamaat delegation, led by its Nayeb-e-Ameer Syed Abdullah Muhammad Taher, participated in the session. The discussion began at 10:30am with 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 delegation members included its Secretary General Professor Mia Golam Porwar, assistant secretaries general Rafiqul Islam Khan, AHM Hamidur Rahman Azad and Ehsanul Mahbub Jubair, and Jamaat Dhaka South City unit Ameer Nurul Islam Bulbul. Rizvi demands action against ex-officials for aiding fascism, praises CEC’s election stance On March 20 last, the National Consensus Commission opened its dialogue 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 15 political parties, including BNP and National Citizen Party (NCP). The commission, spearheaded by Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus, aims to establish a unified stance on critical reforms.  

Vice-Chairman of the National Consensus Commission Prof Ali Riaz on Thursday blamed the erosion of democratic values for the rise of a fascist regime, urging unified efforts to restore true democracy.  “We witnessed the lack of democracy in the governance structure of Bangladesh for the past 53 years and the weakness of the institutions. This is why the fascist regime was established. So, the desire of political parties, civil society, students and people is to establish a democratic state,” he said. Prof Riaz said this while delivering his introductory speech at the talks with the Aam Janata Party held at the LD Hall of the Jatiya Sangsad Complex. He said now all aspire to establish a democratic state to prevent the recurrence of tragic experiences of enforced disappearances, extrajudicial killings and repression. About the goal of the National Consensus Commission, its vice-chairman said they are working to create a national charter through discussions with everyone, which will be acceptable to all. “On the basis of it (national charter), the future roadmap of Bangladesh can be built," he said. Prof Ali Riaz said the National Consensus Commission is acting as a catalyst in everyone's efforts to build a roadmap for Bangladesh. Contractual appointments at top levels of administration raise concerns An 11-member delegation of the Aam Janata Party led by its president Moshiuzzaman and general secretary Tarique Rahman attended the dialogue at 10:30am with Prof Ali Riaz in the chair. 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. Out of the 166 major recommendation points compiled by the Consensus Commission, the Aam Janata Party agreed on 138 recommendations, partially agreed on 15 ones and disagreed on the remaining 12 recommendation points. 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 14 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.