BNP opens third round of talks with Consensus Commission on reform proposals

The BNP is meeting with the National Consensus Committee for the third day to discuss the reform proposals drafted by five reform commissions under the interim government.

The meeting started at 11:10am on Tuesday at the LD Hall of the National Parliament Building.

The discussions follow two day-long sessions held on Thursday and Sunday, which were later adjourned.

A four-member delegation led by BNP Standing Committee member Salah Uddin Ahmed is taking part in the talks.

BNP Advisory Council member Ismail Zabihullah, Executive Committee member Barrister Ruhul Quddus Kazal, and former secretary Abu Md Moniruzzaman Khan are the other members of the delegation.

Prof Ali Riaz, vice chairman of the commission, is presiding over the meeting. Commission members Badiul Alam Majumdar, retired justice Emdadul Haque, Iftekharruzzaman and special assistant to the chief advisor Monir Haider are also in attendance.

The ongoing dialogue has so far covered a wide range of issues, including reforms to the republic, state values, fundamental rights, the judiciary, the Anti-Corruption Commission, the National Constitutional Council, the electoral system, the executive branch, and constitutional reforms, according to Salah Uddin.

Discussions will resume from the point the meeting was adjourned on Sunday, he said.

He hoped the dialogue would conclude on Tuesday.

After the interim government took power following the ouster of the Awami League administration on Aug 5, 2024, it formed 11 reform commissions in two phases.

On Feb 15, the consensus panel held its first round of meetings with several political parties, including the BNP.

Commission Chairman and Chief Advisor Muhammad Yunus presided over the meeting.

The commission sought the opinions of 39 political parties on the recommendations given by the Constitutional Reform Commission, the Judicial Reform Commission, and the Anti-Corruption Commission. As many as 34 parties have subsequently submitted their feedback and the consensus commission is now holding separate follow-up meetings with each of them.

It has completed primary discussions with 15 political parties so far.