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Published : 19 Apr 2025, 04:01 PM
Ali Riaz, vice-chairman of the National Consensus Commission, has said that the leadership of the movement against authoritarianism coupled with the public's aspirations have laid the foundation for a new political arrangement to drive state reform.
He made the remarks on Saturday during his opening speech at a dialogue with the National Citizen Party (NCP) at the LD Hall of the National Parliament.
“It’s because of the leadership behind today’s movement that we are even able to sit and speak here. For that, we are grateful,” Riaz said.
“History will remember you. You have contributed a shining chapter to the nation’s story,” he added.
He hailed the NCP’s unwavering resistance against what he called prolonged “fascist” rule.
“You took the risk. You fought with your lives. You forced a ‘fascist ruler’ to retreat,” he said.
The National Consensus Commission is currently working to consolidate recommendations from multiple reform bodies, while also building political agreement on the proposed changes.
It previously sought opinions from 39 political parties on major proposals made by five different reform commissions.
Based on those responses, the commission is now holding dialogues with the respective parties.
Saturday’s meeting was chaired by Riaz and moderated by Monir Haider, special assistant to Chief Advisor Muhammad Yunus.
Commission members Badiul Alam Majumdar, Safar Raj Hossain, and Iftekharuzzaman also joined the session.
Representing the NCP were its Convenor Nahid Islam, Member Secretary Akhter Hossen, Senior Joint Convenor Samantha Sharmin, Senior Member Secretary Nahida Sarwar Niva, Chief Organiser (South) Hasnat Abdullah, Chief Coordinator Nasiruddin Patwari and joint convenors Sarwar Tushar and Javed Rasin.
Reflecting on the fight against authoritarian rule, Riaz said: “For 15 years, the country endured a regime like a weight pressing down on our chest. Your courage and unwavering commitment inspired millions, many of whom risked and gave their lives. That struggle led to victory.”
He added, “Alongside that victory, your clear call for a new political arrangement has helped shape a long-standing public aspiration into an actionable state reform agenda.”
Praising the NCP’s contribution, Riaz said: “We acknowledge your leadership in this historic and fearless uprising. You’ve helped steer the country towards the path of reform.”
He noted the recurring suppression of democratic hopes in Bangladesh.
“History shows how gains from democratic movements have often been trampled. Power was centralised in the hands of one ruler,” he said.
Calling the July Uprising a moment of promise, Riaz said: “Now, our collective responsibility is to build a new Bangladesh. One where fascism doesn’t return. One with permanent democratic institutions and protected rights.”
He stressed the need to end enforced disappearances, killings, and all forms of oppression.
“We want a national charter that reflects the hopes of our people,” he added.
The National Consensus Commission, led by Yunus, began its work on Feb 15.
Riaz, who also heads the Constitution Reform Commission, serves as its vice-chairman.
