Nat’l Charter Will Ensure Rights of Citizens, Says Ali Riaz to UPDF

Vice Chairman of the National Consensus Commission Prof Ali Riaz on Saturday said the National Charter, being prepared through dialogue with all stakeholders by the National Consensus Commission, will undoubtedly safeguard the rights of all citizens. 

"A democratic state cannot be built, nor can human dignity be upheld, without guaranteeing the rights of all citizens," Prof. Riaz told a discussion between the United People's Democratic Front (UPDF) and the Commission at the LD Hall of the National Parliament. 

Ali Riaz said, "Only a democratic state can ensure the rights of its citizens, establish the rule of law, and deliver justice to the people through an independent judiciary."

Therefore, the Commission believes that the National Charter, which is being prepared incorporating the opinions of all political parties, will safeguard the rights of all citizens in the coming days, he said. 

For the first time, an opportunity has been created to rebuild the state collectively, Ali Riaz said, adding, "The proposals from the reform commissions that have been given to the political parties and presented before the nation are aimed at creating a concrete path based on consensus."

Ali Riaz also said, "This historic moment has been achieved at the cost of many lives. Everyone must participate actively to make this opportunity a success, and there is hope that all political parties will embrace this aspiration and move forward." 

The United People's Democratic Front was represented by a four-member delegation led by Dhaka region organiser Michael Chakma. Other members of the delegation included party member Sunayan Chakma, Democratic Youth Forum President Zico Tripura, and Greater Chittagong Hill Tracts Student Council President Amal Tripura. 

So far, 28 political parties, including the UPDF, have taken part in discussions with the National Consensus Commission.