Parties agree on key governance reforms, diverge on state principles, says Ali Riaz

A draft July Charter will be sent to parties on Monday, focusing on shared positions ahead of the Jul 31 dialogue deadline

Bangladesh’s political parties have reached consensus on a dozen major reform issues despite failing to agree on changes to the state’s guiding principles.

On Sunday, after the 19th day of second-phase talks between political parties and the National Consensus Commission, Vice-President Ali Riaz said they hope to conclude the talks by Jul 31.

The agreements will form the basis of a National Charter or July Charter, Riaz said, noting that a preliminary draft will be sent to all participating political parties on Monday for feedback.

Earlier in the day, Riaz clarified that the draft charter would not be debated separately during the ongoing dialogue.

“If any fundamental objections arise, we’ll bring it to discussion. Otherwise, feedback from parties will be incorporated into the final version. The document will contain background, rationale, and areas of commitment.”

He also confirmed that a specific day will be reserved for parties to sign the final July Charter during the dialogue process.

The 12 points of consensus reached so far are:

• Amendment to Article 70 of the Constitution entailing MPs’ voting freedom

• Reform in chairing Parliamentary Standing Committees

• Redrawing of parliamentary constituency boundaries

• Revisions to presidential pardon powers

• Decentralisation of the Supreme Court

• Gradual relocation of lower courts to Upazila levels

• Review of emergency powers provisions

• Reform of chief justice appointment process

• Structured mechanism for forming the Election Commission

• Reform of multiple roles held by the prime minister

• Limit of 10 years for holding the office of prime minister

• Formation of an independent Police Commission