Ali Riaz Urges Quick Decisions Due to Time Pressure
Professor Dr Ali Riaz, Vice-Chairman of the National Consensus Commission, has emphasised the need for prompt decision-making due to time constraints. “We must succeed collectively. The measure of success lies in whether we can reach an agreement on structural reforms,” he said. He made the remarks during his opening speech at 11:15 am on Tuesday (July 15), ahead of the 14th day of discussions in the second phase of dialogues between the commission and political parties, held at the Foreign Service Academy in Dhaka. Reminding political parties of the urgency, Riaz stated, “Due to time constraints, we are unable to make as much progress as we need to on certain issues. After this week, the situation will become even more pressing, and we will need to make some decisions very quickly based on practical realities. I hope you will take this into consideration.”
Urging the parties to remain cooperative, he said, “We must move toward drafting a National Charter — and we must do so together, as far as possible. For that, each of us must continue making positional adjustments, as we have done in previous discussions. But please keep the time limitations in mind so that we can finalise the National Charter within July.” Regarding the role of the commission, Riaz clarified, “The Commission is not a separate entity. It belongs to everyone. If we fail in some areas, that failure belongs to all of us. We must keep that in mind — there is no room for failure. The responsibility entrusted to you as political parties — we are only partners in that. The Commission has joined your efforts as a collaborator. It is not to be considered a separate body. Since our appointment, we have been trying to play a supportive role, and that remains our goal.”
The 14th day of discussions began at 11:15 am. Leaders from various political parties — including the BNP, Jamaat-e-Islami, NCP, Gono Odhikar Parishad, AB Party, and Labour Party — were in attendance. Today’s agenda includes the bicameral parliamentary system, constitutional amendments, and women’s representation in Parliament.
