BNP continues talks with consensus commission on reform proposals

BNP started today's discussions with the National Consensus Commission to present its views on reform proposals put forward by five state commissions.

The meeting began at 11:00am at the LD Hall of the National Parliament building, marking the second day of talks.

The first round, held on Thursday, lasted the entire day before being adjourned.

A five-member BNP delegation, led by Standing Committee member Salahuddin Ahmed, is participating in the talks.

The other members include Standing Committee member Nazrul Islam Khan, Chairperson's Adviser Md Ismail Jabihullah, Executive Committee member Barrister Ruhul Quddus Kajol, and former secretary Abu Md Moniruzzaman Khan.

The session is being chaired by Professor Ali Riaz, vice-president of the National Consensus Commission. Other commission members present include Iftekharuzzaman, Justice Emdadul Haque, Badiul Alam Majumdar, Safar Raj Hossain, and Monir Haidar, special assistant to the chief adviser.

The talks are part of a broader initiative launched after the ousting of the Awami League government on August 5, when the interim government formed 11 commissions in two phases to oversee reforms in key state sectors.

To build national consensus around the recommendations of these commissions, the consensus commission, led by Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus, began its activities on February 15. On that day, it held its first meeting with political parties, including the BNP, at the Foreign Service Academy.

The commission later sought feedback from 39 political parties on proposals made by the Constitutional Reform Commission, Public Administration Reform Commission, Electoral System Reform Commission, Judicial Reform Commission, and Anti-Corruption Commission.

To date, 34 parties have submitted their views. The commission is now conducting one-on-one meetings with each.

It has already held preliminary discussions with 12 parties. Talks with the BNP are currently ongoing.