Dhaka, May 03 (V7N) – Professor Ali Riaz, Vice-Chairman of the National Consensus Commission, announced that the commission is working to draft a National Charter within a targeted six-month period, aiming to lay the foundation for an accountable and democratic state in Bangladesh.

He made these remarks during the opening session of a dialogue with the Nationalist Like-Minded Alliance, held at the LD Hall of the National Parliament Building on Saturday morning.

Professor Riaz emphasized the importance of national unity, saying, "The unity forged through the July popular uprising is essential for our nation's progress." He urged political parties and alliances to compromise from their respective positions for the greater goal of state restructuring and democratic consolidation.

He also noted that the term of the National Consensus Commission will conclude on July 15, and expressed hope that concrete progress would be made before that deadline.

Speaking at the same event, NPP Chairman Fariduzzaman Farhad, coordinator of the Nationalist Like-Minded Alliance, stressed the urgency of holding elections. “If an unelected government continues to hold power for an extended period, it will give rise to multiple challenges,” he said. “There must be an election so people can finally reclaim their right to vote after 15 long years.”

Farhad also revealed that out of 166 proposals put forward by the commission, the alliance agreed with 112, disagreed with 26, and partially agreed with 28—signaling a significant level of consensus while still leaving room for further negotiation.

The dialogue is part of a broader initiative by the National Consensus Commission to consult with various political alliances in the formulation of the proposed charter, which is expected to serve as a roadmap for democratic governance and national reconciliation.

END/MSS/AJ