Consensus Commission to Resume Talks on National Charter Implementation in Early October

PNN News Desk | Dhaka:

The National Consensus Commission will resume discussions with political parties in the first week of October to determine the implementation process for the constitutional proposals of the July National Charter. According to commission sources, an informal meeting may be held on Tuesday to decide on the next steps.

Although the draft of the National Charter with 84 reform proposals was finalized in July, no consensus has yet been reached on the implementation method, leaving the charter inactive. The commission began talks with political parties on September 11, but no solution was reached even after three days of discussions.

Experts have already advised the commission that the most effective way to implement the reforms sustainably is through a referendum or a people’s assembly. However, the method of implementation will not be included as part of the July Charter. The commission will send several recommendations to the government on this matter.

Political parties remain divided. The BNP supports implementing the constitutional proposals through the upcoming parliament. Jamaat-e-Islami advocates implementing them via a constitutional decree and referendum. The National Citizens’ Party (NCP) favors implementation through a people’s assembly. Meanwhile, parties such as the State Reform Movement and the National Solidarity Movement have proposed forming a constitutional reform council. Some parties have also suggested seeking the Supreme Court’s opinion.

Monir Haider, special assistant to the chief adviser of the National Consensus Commission, said that in addition to talks with political parties in the first week of October, the commission will continue both formal and informal discussions with experts. The commission aims to finalize the July National Charter by October 15.