Professor Ali Riaz, vice-chairman of the National Consensus Building Commission, stated that the nation has entrusted the responsibility of charting the path for a new Bangladesh, and failure in this task will not be forgiven.
Speaking at a dialogue between the National Consensus Building Commission and political parties at the Foreign Service Academy on Saturday (15 February), Riaz reflected on the sacrifices made to reach this pivotal moment in the nation’s history.
“We have arrived here through years of struggle and the sacrifice of many lives. The roadmap is outlined in the recommendations of six commissions. Now, our task is to build consensus on those recommendations and formulate methods for their implementation,” he said.
Riaz emphasised the importance of initiating state reforms, stating, “The process cannot move forward without initiation. Achieving consensus among all parties is crucial.” He highlighted that both formal and informal communication with political parties, along with group and coalition-level meetings, would be essential for this effort.
Expressing optimism about collaboration, he remarked, “Since our goal is unified — reforming state systems and organising elections promptly — it is essential to develop mutual understanding and work together. I believe we will receive the necessary support from political parties.”
Riaz further stressed the need for collective effort, adding, “Through discussions and negotiations, we can formulate a national charter. This charter will serve as a foundational document for creating the roadmap for a new Bangladesh.”
Highlighting the Commission's role, Riaz concluded, “Our job is to assist political parties in drafting this national charter and to progress toward elections as quickly as possible. The ultimate aim is to create a document that marks the first steps in building a new Bangladesh.”
