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Published : 18 Jun 2025, 03:51 AM
Political parties in Bangladesh have reached “consensus” on five major issues, including amending Article 70 of the Constitution on the first day of the second round talks, National Consensus Commission Vice Chairman Ali Riaz said.
The other agreed topics are appointing parliamentary standing committee chairs from opposition parties, reserving 100 seats for women, introducing a bicameral parliament, and changing the procedure for appointing the chief justice.
Riaz shared the outcome at a press conference around 6pm on Tuesday, following the day’s meeting at the Foreign Service Academy in Dhaka with representatives of 30 political parties.
Riaz said discussions confirmed that lawmakers will be allowed to vote independently on all matters except money bills and confidence motions, paving the way for an amendment to Article 70.
On parliamentary oversight, the parties agreed that opposition members should chair key committees--such as Public Accounts, Privileges, Estimates and Government Assurances--based on seat share.
There was also support for reserving 100 seats for women in parliament. “Mechanisms are still being discussed. If any party wishes to consult internally, it can return with its views next week,” said Riaz.
He added that a majority of parties had also backed changing the appointment process for the chief justice, currently governed by Articles 95(1) and 48(3) of the Constitution.
The proposal for a bicameral system with a 100-member upper chamber also received wide support.
“Some raised objections, but most agreed the idea needs to be reconsidered,” said Riaz.
While hailing the progress as “very positive”, the commission’s chief said talks will continue. “We hope to reach a National Charter by July.”
The Communist Party of Bangladesh (CPB), along with the left bloc, however, voiced firm opposition to the bicameral plan.
“We clearly said Bangladesh doesn’t need a two-chamber parliament in its current reality,” said CPB General Secretary Ruhin Hossain Prince.
The National Citizen Party (NCP) accused Chief Advisor Muhammad Yunus of “favouring” BNP-aligned proposals and questioned the commission’s neutrality.
Responding to these concerns, Riaz said: “That’s their perception. We’re trying our best to treat all parties equally and with due respect.
“If any party feels otherwise, we’ll take it into account.”
No representative from Jamaat-e-Islami was seen at Tuesday’s meeting.
Riaz presided over the session, with talks set to continue in phases through Thursday.
