National Consensus Commission held a discussion with democratic leftist unity at the LD Hall of the Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban today. Photo: PID

DHAKA, May 12, 2025 (BSS) - National Consensus Commission’s Vice-Chairman Professor Ali Riaz today said the July-August 2024 uprising has ensured initial victory of democracy, leading to the ouster of the fascist ruler, emphasizing that collective action is now crucial to securing lasting success.

“The initial triumph of democracy was affirmed when the fascist ruler fled during the July–August 2024 uprising. Now, we must move forward together to realize the full promise of that victory,” he said.

Ali Riaz made this remark at the beginning of the commission’s discussion with democratic leftist unity at the LD Hall of the Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban here, said a PID handout.

He observed that over the last 53 years since the state's formation, the people have repeatedly struggled to establish a democratic system but their aspirations have not been fulfilled yet, so the people have remained involved in the democratic movement.

Commission members Justice Md Emdadul Haque, Dr Badiul Alam Majumder, Safar Raj Hossain and Dr Iftekharuzzaman and Special Assistant to the Chief Adviser Monir Haider were present.

Ali Riaz said that National Consensus Commission aims to establish unity, and it is the duty of Bangladesh’s political parties, political forces, and civil society to safeguard the democratic struggle’s continuity. Strengthening this collective unity is essential to building an accountable state, he added.

He continued, “We’re at a pivotal moment in history. Such an opportunity has never come after independence. Therefore, it is the responsibility of all of us to realize the unfulfilled dreams.”

A 20-member delegation, led by Abul Kalam Azad, Coordinator of Democratic Leftist Unity and Convener of the Social Democratic Party, joined the discussion. 

The discussents were Bangladesh Samajtantrik Dal (ML) President Comrade Harun Chowdhury, President of Samajtantrik Majdur Party Comrade Ali Hossain, Progressive Democratic Party (PDP) Secretary General Harun-Al-Rashid Khan and Samajtantrik Majdur Party General Secretary Comrade Dr Shamsul Alam.