No significant progress in talks, uncertainty over July Charter: Ali Riaz

Prof Ali Riaz, vice-chairman of the National Consensus Commission, has said although discussions have been held for the past seven days with some progress on various issues, significant breakthroughs remain elusive.

He also expressed uncertainty about when the much-anticipated "July Charter" will be signed.

He made these remarks during the opening session of the seventh day of the second phase of meetings between the commission and political parties, this morning at the Foreign Service Academy in Dhaka.

"We've made progress in certain areas over the last week. But to be honest, we're still somewhat behind in achieving the kind of progress we had hoped for," Riaz said.

He emphasised that achieving progress was crucial because "none of us want to go back to where we were".

"This is not just a matter for tomorrow or the day after. It's something that affects the long term."

Riaz added, "Our goal was to free ourselves from fascist rule. To do that, we must bring structural changes to the system that enabled fascism. With that resolve, we came together, setting aside everything else. Your activists have sacrificed their lives and endured persecution. We stand here today on the strength of that struggle."

He reminded the political parties, "The commission is not your opponent. It is a part of you, merely fulfilling a responsibility. The commission has shown flexibility because of your positions. That's partly because you represent the people. And the country will eventually be governed through your leadership."

Regarding key proposals, Riaz said the commission had initially proposed reforms to Article 70, but those ideas were revised through dialogue. Similar progress was made on the structure of parliamentary standing committees.

"On the matter of the upper house of parliament, we had two proposals: one suggested 105 members appointed by the president. You opposed this, and rightfully so. We revised it and reached a consensus on forming a 100-member upper chamber," he explained.

Discussions also advanced on fundamental principles proposed earlier in the Constitutional Reform Commission, he noted, with further dialogue planned.

Riaz stressed the urgency of finalising the charter within July.

"Only a day remains before July begins. The commission is committed. We had hoped to sign the charter collectively on the death anniversary of Abu Sayed. Whether that will be possible depends on you. We're a bit anxious that we may fall short. But we must reach a conclusion within July," he urged.

He also cautioned that any constitutional amendment must align with the people's aspirations and should not enable autocratic tendencies.

"Checks and balances must be put in place to prevent the concentration of power in individuals. We must also ensure judicial independence," he said.