Second Phase of National Consensus Commission: Challenge of Reaching Political Agreement

PNN Reporter , Dhaka: The National Consensus Commission has begun the second phase of its thematic discussions with political parties, aimed at establishing consensus on key reforms in various sectors of the state. This round focuses on proposals that failed to achieve agreement during the first phase. After a two-day break, the session resumed at 10:30 AM on Wednesday at the Foreign Service Academy in Dhaka.

Over the past five days of the second phase, the commission has discussed nine key issues with various political parties. However, in most cases, no consensus has been reached so far.

The Commission has prepared to discuss a total of 20 topics in this phase. Depending on the progress made, it also plans to add new issues to the agenda. The ultimate goal is to develop a National Charter based on political consensus by July 2025.

Representatives from 30 political parties attended Wednesday's session, including BNP, Jamaat-e-Islami, CPB, BASAD, LDP, Khelafat Majlish, Rastrer Songskar Andolon, Amar Bangladesh Party (AB Party), Nagorik Oikya, JASAD, NDM, NCP, Bangladesh Khelafat Majlish, Ganosonghoti Andolon, JSD, Gonodhikar Parishad, Revolutionary Workers Party of Bangladesh, Jatiotabadi Sommonoy Jot, 12-party alliance, Islami Andolon Bangladesh, and Gonoforum, among others.

On the Commission’s side, the meeting was chaired by Dr. Ali Riaz, Vice-Chairman of the National Consensus Commission. Other members present included Justice Md. Emdadul Haque, Dr. Badiul Alam Majumdar, Muid Chowdhury, Safar Raj Hossain, Dr. Iftekharuzzaman, and Monir Hayder, Special Assistant to the Chief Adviser on Consensus Affairs.