Dhaka: Vice-Chairman of the National Consensus Commission Professor Dr. Ali Riaz today expressed satisfaction over the progress in discussions with political parties and said that efforts are underway to finalize the 'July Charter' by the next month (July). 'The discussions are extremely positive. We are making progress continuously, and we hope that by July, we will be able to finalize our desired national charter (July Charter) and establish consensus on many important issues in the national interest,' he said at a press briefing after the second round of day-long talks with political parties at the Foreign Service Academy.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Riaz addressed various agenda items during the talks, including political parties' concerns about Article 70 of the Constitution. It was agreed that amendments will be made to ensure parties vote in favor of their party on money bills and confidence motions. Riaz also noted progress in discussions about parliamentary committees, with parties agreeing to allocate chairmanship of four key committees to the opposition in proportion to their seats.
The talks also covered women's representation in Parliament, with a general agreement on reserving 100 seats for women, though discussions continue. On the appointment of the Chief Justice, there was consensus on amending related constitutional articles, but further discussions will be held next week. Additionally, while there is consensus on a bicameral legislature, some parties have raised objections in principle.
Despite Jamaat-e-Islami's absence from the meeting, the commission has been in communication with all parties to ensure their participation, with hopes that Jamaat-e-Islami or its representatives will attend future discussions. The second phase of talks, aiming to finalize recommendations for reforms and prepare the "July Charter," commenced today at the Foreign Service Academy with participation from several political party representatives, though Jamaat-e-Islami was notably absent despite an invitation.