Finalise plan for 2nd phase without delay

Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus has directed the National Consensus Commission (NCC) to finalise the action plan for the second phase of discussions with political parties without delay.

Yunus, who also chairs the NCC, praised the constructive and positive stance taken by political parties during the initial round of reform discussions.

He gave the directive while presiding over a meeting of the commission held at the state guest house Jamuna yesterday.

The second phase of dialogue with political parties is expected to begin on May 15.

The meeting reviewed the commission's overall progress, particularly the outcomes of the first phase of talks with political parties. The hour-and-a-half-long meeting was attended by the commission's Vice Chair Prof Ali Riaz and members Badiul Alam Majumdar, Iftekharuzzaman, Justice Emdadul Haque, Safar Raj Hossain, and Dr Mohammad Ayub Miah.

Among others, Law Adviser Asif Nazrul, Planning Adviser Prof Wahiduddin Mahmud, Housing and Public Works Adviser Adilur Rahman Khan, Environment Adviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan, Energy and Roads Adviser Muhammad Fauzul Kabir Khan, and Information Adviser Mahfuj Alam were present.

The NCC was formed to build national consensus on reform. It officially began its work on February 15.

Key recommendations from different reform commissions -- such as the Constitution Reform Commission, Electoral System Reform Commission, etc. -- were sent to 39 political parties, seeking specific feedback. So far, 35 parties have responded.

The commission began formal discussions on March 20 to finalise recommendations from the reform commissions. Initial discussions have already been completed with 27 political parties.