Professor Dr Ali Riaz speaking at Foreign Service Academy in the capital over consensus among political parties on various issuies. Dr. Badiul Alam Majumder sitted in left on the photo belongs to BSS

DHAKA, June 22, 2025 (BSS) - Vice-Chairman of the National Consensus Commission Professor Dr Ali Riaz has called on political parties to demonstrate flexibility and make concessions on unresolved national issues to pave the way for a broader consensus.

He made the call during his opening remarks on the fifth day of the second phase of dialogue between the commission and political parties at the Foreign Service Academy in the capital today. 

"We are here today due to extraordinary circumstances - circumstances shaped by 16 years of struggle and the sacrifices of thousands," said Prof. Riaz. 

"Political activists from various parties have faced oppression and even laid down their lives. Let us honour that history by seeking common ground and moving forward together," he added.

He said, "You've already come a long way. Proceed just a bit further. A little more effort can lead us to a successful conclusion by finalising the July Charter".

Sunday's agenda included determination of the Prime Minister's term, core state principles and the formation of an independent committee to fixing boundaries of parliamentary constituencies.

While acknowledging progress, Prof. Riaz noted that full consensus has yet to be reached on key issues such as the election process of president, the Prime Minister's term and the formation of a National Constitutional Council (NCC).

"To prepare the July Charter, we urge all parties to make compromises," he stated.

He also announced that the commission would pause its meetings on Monday and Tuesday for internal policy-level deliberations. "We believe the commission also needs time to reflect and consult on these complex matters," he said.

The ongoing second phase of talks, involving 32 political parties, is being held at the Foreign Service Academy here. 

In addition to Professor Riaz, the meeting was attended by Justice Md. Emdadul Haque, Dr. Badiul Alam Majumder, Safar Raj Hossain, Dr. Iftekharuzzaman, Dr. Md. Ayub Mia and Monir Haider, Special Assistant to the Chief Adviser.

Political parties participating in the dialogue included the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami, Jatiya Nagorik Party, Gana Odhikar Parishad, CPB, Biplobi Workers Party and Amar Bangladesh (AB) Party, among others.