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Dhaka, June 17, 2025: Professor Ali Riaz, co-chair of the National Consensus Commission, stated that all political parties, except two, have agreed on revising the existing process for appointing the Chief Justice. He made these remarks following the second day of the second phase of discussions with political parties on reforms, held at the Doel Hall of the Foreign Service Academy in the capital on Tuesday. Further discussions on this issue are scheduled for next week.
Ali Riaz also noted that the parties reached a consensus on appointing opposition party members as heads of four key parliamentary standing committees: the Public Accounts Committee, the Privilege Committee, the Estimates Committee, and the Public Undertakings Committee. Additionally, the parties agreed to grant parliamentarians independence on matters other than money bills and confidence votes under Article 70 of the Constitution.
Regarding women’s representation in parliament, Ali Riaz mentioned a consensus on reserving 100 permanent seats, with the structure and method to be finalized in future discussions. He expressed hope that a decision on this matter could be reached next week.
While some parties raised objections to the proposal for a bicameral parliament, Ali Riaz noted that progress is being made in the discussions. He stated, “We are hopeful of preparing a national charter by July.” Addressing the absence of Jamaat-e-Islami’s representation in the talks, he said, “We are in constant communication with Jamaat and other political parties, and we expect their participation tomorrow.”
Responding to allegations of bias by two political parties, Ali Riaz clarified, “Any political party may raise such allegations, but we are conducting our activities with neutrality.”
AI/MR
