Ganosamhati Andolan wants public to have final say on reform disagreements

The people will express their views through who they cast their ballots for and the winners will govern the state based on what people want, he says

Ganosamhati Andolan Chief Coordinator Zonayed Saki has expressed hope that the National Charter based on the consensus of political parties will pave the way for Bangladesh's “democratic transformation and a new political settlement”.

Speaking at the LD Hall of the parliament complex on Sunday, he said public opinion should be taken during the election to resolve issues on which parties cannot reach an agreement.

The National Consensus Commission held a dialogue with a 10-strong delegation of the Gonosamhati Andolan led by Saki on Sunday as part of the series of meetings with parties to review recommendations forwarded by various reform commissions.

He said, “The foundation of unity that we created in the original Constitution through the 1971 struggle has been denied in a way. It did not even find a place in the Constitution.

“Since 1972, the state structure has been controlled by a group of looters. We have seen attempts to create divisions among the people aimed at legitimising the rule of looters, whereas creating unity among the people is an important task of the state.”

He continued, “Agreement among the stakeholders on the [reform] proposals forwarded will make up the National Charter. It will emerge in the form of the July Charter. What is the way to resolve the issues on which there is disagreement? We have come up with a way.

“We think that we should take the disagreements (issues) to the people, through an electoral process. The opinions on which the people will rely, those whom they will make winners, will actually govern the state based on the people’s views.

“So that it’s possible to make a democratic transformation of the state and move to a new settlement with as much as we have agreed upon, the Consensus Commission will discuss and negotiate with relevant [people].”

The Consensus Commission, headed by Chief Advisor Muhammad Yunus, seeks to establish unity among political parties on the reform agenda besides finalising the unified recommendations forwarded by panels to drive the state reform initiatives.

The commission asked 39 political parties to review and comment on the recommendations sent by five reform panels and then launched separate dialogues with each of the parties on the matter.

Ali Riaz, vice-chairman of the commission, said at the beginning of the meeting: “[To resolve] the cumulative crisis in Bangladesh... simply making the reform commissions’ report a reality is not enough. It is necessary to create the structure of a democratic state, practice democracy, and unite democratic forces.

“The collective efforts of the people forced the fascist ruler to flee. We have to move forward by maintaining this unity and embracing its spirit. This is not just our commitment, it is our responsibility as well.”

He continued, “We have a responsibility towards those who have tried to establish Bangladesh as a democratic, accountable, participatory state for all that ensures civil rights for the past 53 years.

“We have been able to achieve progress, even if it is small. If we cannot maintain it, develop it, all opportunities will be lost. Everyone should direct their efforts towards stopping that from happening.

“We are trying to achieve it together. To create a new democratic, accountable state not only for us but for the next generation and the future of Bangladesh."

Riaz believes reaching a consensus would accelerate the process of creating a National Charter.