National Consensus Commission Vice Chairman, Professor Ali Riaz, on Saturday urged all sections of society to work together in building a new Bangladesh grounded in democratic values, where repressive systems such as fascism and state brutality can never return.
Speaking at a dialogue with the National Citizen Party (NCP) at LD Hall of Jatiya Sangsad complex, Prof Riaz said, “Our current task is to unite for the creation of a new Bangladesh—one where fascist rule cannot return, where democratic institutions are firmly established, and the rights of the people are protected.”
He stressed the importance of eliminating enforced disappearances, extrajudicial killings, and other forms of oppression, calling for collective action to ensure accountability and justice.
An eight-member delegation from the NCP, led by its Convener Nahid Islam, took part in the discussion with Prof Riaz presiding over the meeting. The dialogue was part of a series of talks initiated by the National Consensus Commission to develop a broad-based agreement on key reform initiatives put forth by the interim government.
Prof Riaz reflected on the country's turbulent political past, saying, “We have seen how democratic victories were repeatedly undermined and how power was concentrated in the hands of one individual, subjugating state institutions.”
He reiterated the commission’s intention to continue dialogue with political parties as needed. “We aim to draft a national charter that reflects the genuine aspirations of the people of Bangladesh,” he said.
Commending the NCP’s role in the July mass uprising, Prof Riaz said, “You fought fearlessly against a prolonged fascist regime, risking your lives. Your comrades even laid down their lives for the cause of democracy. History will remember your sacrifices.”
Also present at the discussion were commission members Safar Raj Hossain, Dr Badiul Alam Majumdar, and Dr Iftekharuzzaman. Chief Adviser’s Special Assistant Monir Haider moderated the session.
The National Consensus Commission, formed on February 15, 2025, under the leadership of Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus, is tasked with building national consensus around critical state reform proposals. Since March 20, the commission has been conducting a first round of dialogues with political parties, having already engaged with 12 parties.
Initial recommendations from five key reform bodies—covering constitutional, judicial, electoral, public administration, and anti-corruption areas—have been compiled and shared with 39 political parties. Of those, 34 have submitted feedback so far.
The commission aims to conclude its first round of consultations by the first week of May and launch a second phase of talks shortly thereafter. The goal is to finalise a national consensus on reform initiatives by mid-July.
