Consensus Commission to survey public on reform proposals

The National Consensus Commission is preparing to launch a public opinion survey to assess sentiment on a set of proposed reform measures, according to its Vice-chair Ali Riaz.

Speaking at a briefing at the LD Hall in the Jatiya Sangsad complex on Monday, Riaz said the Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics (BBS) will conduct the survey, which is aimed at gauging public attitudes toward key recommendations already discussed with political parties.

“This survey will collect public opinion on selected proposals, allowing us to better understand how citizens view the reforms debated so far,” Riaz said.

He reiterated that the implementation of the recommendations ultimately lies with the government, while the modalities of that process will be shaped by the political parties.

The survey marks the beginning of the Commission’s second phase of dialogue, which aims to build consensus on issues where gaps remain—or where parties have expressed positions that are close but not yet aligned.

Following the fall of the Awami League government in the wake of a student-led uprising on Aug 5, 2024, the interim administration formed six reform commissions in October.

These included panels on constitutional, electoral, judicial, anti-corruption, police, and public administration reform.

The panels submitted their findings to the government in February.

On Feb 12, the government consolidated leadership of the reform effort by establishing the National Consensus Commission, bringing together the heads of the six panels to steer the reform process and formulate a National Charter.

The commission formally began its work on Feb 15, with a target of completing its mission within six months.

As part of its mandate, the commission sent draft recommendations to 38 political parties and alliances, first sharing summaries on Feb 28, followed by a detailed spreadsheet of proposals on Mar 5. Parties were asked to respond by Mar 15, though some sought deadline extensions.

Eventually, 35 parties and alliances submitted feedback, with many offering detailed analysis and commentary alongside their views.

Since Mar 20, the Consensus Commission has held 45 dialogue sessions with these parties, collecting their positions: whether in agreement, disagreement, or partial endorsement of the proposals.

According to the commission, several core reform items have received broad or partial consensus from participating parties.

The upcoming survey aims to test whether that agreement extends to the general public.