Parties need to reach consensus on fundamental issues, says Ali Riaz

“We are talking about creating an accountable state, so that there is no centralisation of power,” the National Consensus Commission vice chairman says

National Consensus Commission Vice-Chairman Ali Riaz believes that it is necessary for political parties to establish a kind of consensus on fundamental issues for state reform.

He made the remarks in his opening speech at the 11th session of the second phase of the committee’s meeting at Dhaka’s Foreign Service Academy on Thursday.

The agenda for the 11th day includes discussions on the appointment of the chief justice, the caretaker government, and declaration of states of emergency.

Riaz said, "It is noteworthy that we have made some progress in the discussions of the past few days. We have reached consensus on several issues in these talks. We are coming closer in many areas.

"In addition to agreeing on many issues, what we need is to establish a kind of consensus on fundamental issues for state reform. This is because we all have the same goals and objectives. Trying to achieve them is a sincere effort on all our parts."

He said, "We are talking about creating an accountable state, so that there is no centralisation of power. We are talking about protecting the rights of citizens, about the independence of the judiciary, and ensuring that we can develop such a system that, under no circumstances, can a fascist regime form in this country. We all agree on these objectives. There are no differences in intention and objective. The commission has no separate objective.”

"[Our goal is to] create a national charter with everyone, by establishing as much consensus as possible within the shortest possible time. We have repeatedly said that our goal is to complete this work by this July. Many issues have not been settled. However, as discussions have progressed, we will be able to reach an agreement on the issues next week. That is the goal and the objective. In fact, none of us have any objective beyond this. The commission, in particular, has no reason to have an objective."

Riaz, "As you (political parties) are part of the commission, you have taken responsibility for it. We are not separate. We are all one. Therefore, we have to move forward from here."

"If the cooperation we are getting from you continues, we will be able to quickly reach a settlement."

Monir Haider, special assistant to the chief advisor, and commission members Badiul Alam Majumder, Aiyur Mia, Safar Raj Hossain, and retired justices Emdadul Haque and Iftekharruzzaman also joined the discussions.