Consensus Commission aims for deal by July 30

Vice-Chairman of the National Consensus Commission, Prof Ali Riaz, today (July 13) said the commission hopes to reach a logical conclusion by July 30, honouring the martyrs of last year’s July-August Mass Uprising.

He made the remarks while opening the 12th day of the second phase of talks with political parties at the Foreign Service Academy in Dhaka.

The ongoing discussions focus on building unity around recommendations from various reform bodies, achieving consensus on state reforms, and finalising the ‘July Charter’.

Key issues on the table include the caretaker government framework, appointment of the Chief Justice, and the declaration of a state of emergency.

Prof Riaz urged parties to find middle ground, saying, “You should be willing to move forward, even if it means adjusting your position.”

Representatives of 30 parties, including BNP, Jamaat-e-Islami, CPB and others, attended.

Commission members Justice Emdadul Haque, Dr Badiul Alam Majumder, Dr Md Ayub Mia, Dr Iftekharuzzaman, Safar Raj Hossain and Special Assistant Monir Haider were present.

Further talks on unresolved issues will continue today.