People must be involved in constitutional amendments, says Ali Riaz

He says National Charter aims to forge agreement between citizens and political parties for accountability

Ali Riaz, vice-chairman of the National Consensus Commission, has emphasised that any amendment to the Constitution must reflect the views and aspirations of the people.

Speaking at a roundtable discussion in Dhaka on Thursday, he said the commission is working to build national consensus on a series of fundamental reforms.

“There has been agreement on some issues,” Riaz noted. “Further discussions with political parties will continue, and we hope to finalise a Citizen Charter by July.”

He explained that the National Charter aims to safeguard citizens’ rights, ensure a balance of power, and strengthen state institutions. “Our goal is to establish an agreement between political parties and the public so that political parties can be held accountable by citizens,” he said.

The roundtable follows the Aug 5, 2024 mass uprising, which led to the fall of the Awami League government and the formation of an interim administration.

As part of its democratic transition efforts, the interim government launched several reform commissions focusing on the Constitution, electoral system, public administration, judiciary, anti-corruption measures, and police reform.

The National Consensus Commission has completed its first round of consultations with political parties on key recommendations from these commissions.

Badiul Alam Majumder, commission member and secretary of Shushashoner Jonno Nagorik (SHUJAN), said the July Uprising expressed a public demand for democratic transition through credible elections.

“To make that happen, the Election Commission, political parties, and civil society must play an active role,” he said. “Consensus must be reached on key reforms and legal changes made through ordinances to enable early elections.”

He also stressed that reforms must begin within the political parties themselves.

Iftekharuzzaman, another commission member and executive director of Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB), warned that none of the commission's recommendations can be effectively implemented without curbing corruption.

“Citizens must raise their voices to prevent corruption and uphold civil rights,” he added.

The roundtable, titled “National Charter and Citizen Expectations”, was chaired by Justice MA Matin, acting president of the Centre on Integrated Rural Development for Asia and the Pacific (CIRDAP).