NCP Presents Reform Proposals to Consensus Commission

NCP Submits Reform Framework to National Consensus Commission, Calls for Balance of Power, Accountability, and Decentralisation

The National Citizen Party (NCP) on Tuesday submitted its proposed framework for fundamental reforms to the National Consensus Commission during a dialogue session held at the LD Hall of the Jatiya Sangsad Complex. NCP Member Secretary Akhtar Hossain handed the document to Commission Vice Chairman Prof Ali Riaz at the beginning of the discussion.

A four-member NCP delegation, led by Akhtar Hossain, participated in the talks for a second consecutive day. The dialogue commenced at 10:40 a.m., chaired by Prof Riaz.

In his remarks, Hossain stressed that genuine reforms must address three core pillars: balance of power, accountability, and decentralisation. He clarified that fundamental reform should not be limited to electoral or constitutional changes based on a two-thirds majority but must instead focus on these foundational issues.

Explaining further, Hossain stated the need to remove authoritarian and fascist elements from the constitutional and state structures. He advocated for depoliticising appointments to constitutional posts, restoring judicial independence, and reflecting national interest in governance as key components of meaningful reform.

He highlighted that the people of Bangladesh have long suffered under governance structures that enable oppression, citing the July Mass Uprising as a pivotal moment in the struggle for democratic reform. The NCP’s proposals, he said, aim to move Bangladesh away from authoritarianism and toward genuine democratic advancement.

Alongside Hossain, the NCP delegation included Northern Region Chief Organiser Sarjis Alam and Joint Conveners Sarwar Tushar and Jabed Rasin. Members of the Consensus Commission present included Safar Raj Hossain, Justice Emdadul Haque, Dr Badiul Alam Majumdar, Dr Iftekharuzzaman, and Dr Mohammad Ayub Miah. The session was moderated by Monir Haider, Special Assistant to the Chief Adviser.

Tuesday's dialogue forms part of an ongoing series of consultations with political parties to forge national consensus on state reform initiatives launched by the interim government. The NCP had earlier joined discussions on April 18 and submitted its written recommendations on March 24.

The National Consensus Commission, which began dialogues on March 20 and has engaged with 25 political parties so far, was established on February 15, 2025, under the leadership of Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus. The commission is working toward finalising a unified set of recommendations for comprehensive state reforms.