Consensus commission: LDP backs majority of reform proposals

In the first-ever individual dialogue with political parties on state reform proposals, the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) agreed to 120 out of 166 proposals sent to political parties by the National Consensus Commission (NCC).

LDP President Col (Retd) Oli Ahmed shared this at a dialogue with the commission at the LD Hall of the National Parliament complex yesterday.

Of the 166 proposals, the LDP agreed with 120, disagreed with 42, partially agreed with two, and found two "unclear."

Among 70 constitutional reform proposals, the party supported 51, disagreed with 16, partially agreed with one, and found two unclear.

For judicial reforms, the LDP endorsed 22 out of 23 proposals and partially agreed with one. Meanwhile, it backed all 20 anti-corruption proposals.

In public administration, the party supported 11 out of 26 proposals and disagreed with 15. On electoral reforms, it agreed with 16 out of 27 and disagreed with 11, according to its statement to the commission.

Oli Ahmed criticised the Election Commission's recommendations as "weak," suggesting it should have gathered documents from previous dialogues with political parties.

"No matter what measures you take, elections cannot be fair unless two key officials work properly—the officer-in-charge (OC) of the police station and the upazila nirbahi officer (UNO)," he said.

He also insisted that the LDP's feedback should remain confidential. In response, NCC Vice President Prof Ali Riaz assured him that the commission would not disclose it.

Contacted, Prof Ali Riaz said the dialogue was "very fruitful."

"The party expressed a soft stance on proposals it had differing opinions on and assured full support for the ongoing reforms," he said.

The NCC will hold talks with Khelafat Majlish and the Bangladesh Labour Party tomorrow, followed by Rastrosangskar Andolan on Sunday.

Meanwhile, Jamaat-e-Islami, led by Secretary General Mia Golam Parwar, submitted its feedback yesterday. With this, 16 parties have responded, while 22, including BNP and National Citizen Party (NCP), are yet to submit their views.

Parwar said Jamaat held multiple discussions before finalising its submission, which includes recommendations for ensuring free and fair elections through a proportional representation system.

The commission yesterday said they are awaiting feedback from BNP and NCP.

Speaking at the commission's office in Parliament, Prof Ali Riaz said BNP assured them it would submit its feedback within the next couple of days.

Regarding the NCP, he added, "If we receive their opinions, we will engage with them after Eid."