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OPPORTUNITY FOR CHANGE IN POLITICS

NCC to sit with experts, parties to set implementation method

FE REPORT | August 09, 2025 00:00:00


The National Consensus Commission (NCC) is going to sit with experts and political parties to determine the implementation mechanism amid a big opportunity created for change in Bangladesh's politics.

The commission will first hold discussions with experts.

In light of those discussions, it will then hold a third round of discussions with political parties.

NCC Vice-Chairman Prof Ali Riaz said this on Friday while briefing reporters on the development of the commission's works at the LD Hall of the parliament.

If the government wants, it can extend the tenure of the commission, he said.

He also said the draft July Declaration would be sent to the political parties soon and its implementation depends on their will.

"Only elections and constitutional reforms cannot stop the resurgence of fascism. Reforms are required in all sectors, including the political culture," he emphasised.

"A big opportunity for change has been created in Bangladesh's politics," said Prof Riaz, adding that the Constitution Reform Commission had made specific proposals to ensure the balance of power.

Consensus has been established on some of these issues, he said.

The commission believes a kind of checks and balances can be ensured on the power of the executive branch due to the chairmanship of opposition representatives in several important committees of the national assembly, he added.

A consensus has also been established on limiting the term of the prime minister to 10 years, he said.

Moreover, most political parties have stood in favour of the prime minister not being the party head at the same time, which, if implemented, will prevent the centralisation of power, he told the briefing.

He said the influence that members of the national assembly have in the local governance system is not legally valid, and there is also a court ruling on this.

There is a specific proposal to control the influence of members of parliament (MPs) in the local government system, said Prof Riaz.

Regarding some political parties talking about the next election based on the national charter, he said the commission is not involved in the election process.

The next step would be taken by the government through discussions with experts and political parties, he said.

A consensus was established on 62 issues at the initial stage of the NCC's discussions with political parties, and there was no disagreement or note of dissent on 11 out of 20 issues at the second stage.

The remaining nine issues were decided with a note of dissent.

Due to the wide differences of opinion among the political parties in the first phase of discussions, 25 issues were not discussed.

In that phase, separate discussions were held with 33 parties (March 20-May 19).

From June 3 to July 31, the NCC held thematic discussions with 30 parties in the second phase.

nsrafsanju@gmail.com


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