Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus on Saturday urged political parties to reach a consensus on implementing the proposals put forward by six reform commissions, emphasizing the importance of collective action in shaping a new Bangladesh.
“The six reform commissions have worked tirelessly to provide recommendations for rebuilding the nation. Now, our task is to determine how and to what extent we will implement them,” said Dr. Yunus in his opening speech at the first meeting of the National Consensus Commission with political parties at the Foreign Service Academy this afternoon.
Dr. Yunus underscored the real-world impact of the discussion, stating, “Today’s conversation is not academic—it is about practical steps to implement reforms.”
He stressed that if this opportunity is utilized wisely, future generations will remember the leaders and political parties who played a role in shaping a better Bangladesh.
“It is the responsibility of political parties to decide the structure of society and how reforms will be carried out,” he added.
Dr. Yunus also noted that the first phase of the interim government’s tenure had concluded, and the second phase had begun with the launch of consensus-building talks.
Reflecting on the July uprising, Dr. Yunus paid tribute to those who sacrificed their lives, saying, “This opportunity to rebuild the country has come through their sacrifices. It is now up to us to honor them by building a Bangladesh free from autocratic rule.”
He highlighted that over the past six months, the interim government has gained the trust and support of the people. “If this unity continues, nothing can stop us from achieving our goal,” he remarked.
Dr. Yunus also issued a warning against former ruling figures attempting to return, stating, “Those who were driven out by the people are now looking for a way back. We must remain vigilant to ensure they do not regain power.”
A BNP delegation, led by Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, attended the meeting, alongside representatives from other political parties.
On Thursday, the interim government formed the seven-member National Consensus Commission, led by Dr. Yunus, to discuss the recommendations of the six reform commissions and seek political, constitutional, and electoral consensus.
The other members of the commission are Prof Ali Riaz, head of the Constitutional Reform Commission; Abdul Muyeed Chowdhury, head of Public Administration Reform Commission; Safar Raj Hossain, head of Police Reform Commission; Badiul Alam Majumder, head of Election Reform Commission; Justice Emdadul Haque, head of Judiciary Reform Commission; and Dr Iftekharuzzaman, head of Anti-Corruption Reform Commission.
The commission has a six-month mandate to finalize the reform consensus. The Chief Adviser’s Office (CAO) is providing administrative support to facilitate the process.
