Bangla Press Desk: National Consensus Commission Vice Chairman Prof Ali Riaz has said that he would hand over an acceptable draft of the much-talked-about July Charter to all parties on Thursday.
“We are hopeful that we will be able to hand over a comprehensive and acceptable draft of the July Charter to all parties by tomorrow,” he said while addressing a press conference held at the Foreign Service Academy in Dhaka on Wednesday.
Speaking at the outset of the 22nd day of the second phase of discussions held at the Foreign Service Academy’s Doel Hall, Riaz said a list of issues on which consensus was reached for state reform will be handed over to all political parties and stakeholders by today (Wednesday).
He also underscored the need for a sincere attention of all political parties to gear up the discussion process and said, “Taking decision is an important task of the commission and we are trying to reach a consensus on shared issues. We will be able to notify all of you by tomorrow (Thursday).”
Proposals regarding the expansion of citizens’ fundamental rights have been distributed separately, with requests for detailed feedback, he added.
“In earlier dialogues, all parties were found to be in agreement on constitutional amendments-particularly in parts two and three – to enhance citizens’ rights,” he said.
“Five proposals previously submitted by the Commission were not fully agreed upon. However, the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) clearly specified which recommendations from the Reform Commission reports they agreed and opposed.”
Ali Riaz added that the Commission lacked the time and format for clause-by-clause discussion but had already shared the draft amendments.
He urged political representatives to submit any objections or revisions by tomorrow morning.
According to Commission sources, today’s agenda includes: Parliamentary representation for women, Public Service Commission, Anti-Corruption Commission, Comptroller and Auditor General, Ombudsman appointment procedures, Article 48(3) – Presidential powers and responsibilities, Presidential election process, Electoral college, Structure and election of the upper house, Expansion of citizen rights, and Principles of governance.
Representatives from 30 political parties, including Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami, National Citizen Party (NCP), Gono Odhikar Parishad, Gonosonghoti Andolon, Communist Party of Bangladesh (CPB), Biplobi Workers Party, Amar Bangladesh (AB) Party joined the discussion.
Special Assistant to the Chief Adviser Monir Haider moderated the discussion while Commission members – Justice Md. Emdadul Haque, Iftekharuzzaman, Badiul Alam Majumdar, Safar Raj Hossain and Md. Aiyub Mia were present.
The discussion is being broadcast live on Bangladesh Television (BTV). This article was originally published on Daily Sun.
