Consensus talks begin with focus on key state reforms

The National Consensus Commission on Wednesday began the sixth day of its second-round talks with political parties, aiming to build an agreement on major state reform initiatives proposed by the interim government.

The National Consensus Commission on Wednesday began the sixth day of its second-round talks with political parties, aiming to build an agreement on major state reform initiatives proposed by the interim government.

The discussion started around 11am at the Foreign Service Academy in the capital, with the Commission’s Vice Chairman Prof Ali Riaz presiding over the session, UNB reports.

Wednesday’s agenda includes discussions on the State’s fundamental principles, a bicameral parliament (including the electoral system for the upper house), formation of a National Constitutional Council, the presidential election process, and women’s representation in parliament.

Leaders from around 30 political parties, including the BNP, Jamaat-e-Islami, and the National Citizen Party (NCP), took part in the day’s dialogue, presenting their respective positions on the proposed reforms.

The session is being broadcast live by BTV News.

On June 2, Chief Adviser and Commission Chairman Prof Muhammad Yunus inaugurated the second round of dialogues.

Formed on February 15, 2025, under the leadership of Chief Adviser Prof Yunus, the Commission was tasked with forging a unified national stance on crucial state reforms.

The Commission launched its first round of dialogues on March 20, engaging with 33 political parties and alliances, including BNP, Jamaat, and NCP, before concluding the round on May 19.

Following the dialogues, the National Consensus Commission is expected to finalise and announce the July Charter, a reform roadmap, next month.