Consensus Commission to launch 2nd round of political talks in June

The Consensus Commission, tasked with spearheading reform initiatives, will commence its second round of discussions with political parties in the first week of June. 

Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus will inaugurate the talks, following the conclusion of the first round on May 19.

The decision was finalised during a meeting held on Monday at the State Guest House Jamuna, chaired by Professor Yunus. 

Commission members updated the Chief Adviser on the progress of ongoing dialogues with political parties. 

Emphasising broader engagement, Yunus urged the inclusion of civil society and grassroots organizations in the reform process and upcoming elections. 

“People need to be made election-oriented. Citizens must be aware that no one can snatch the ballot box,” he said, stressing the need for disciplined and secure elections. “The Bangladesh we got after such a big coup should not remain the same Bangladesh.”

The meeting also addressed the establishment of an independent commission to investigate irregularities in past elections, with Commission Vice-Chairman Professor Ali Riaz noting a consensus among political parties on this issue.

Commission member Ayub Bhuiyan advocated for the immediate formation of a Public Administration Reform Implementation Commission to restructure outdated government organograms, some dating back to 1982. He highlighted coordination issues stemming from prior reforms, such as those by the National Board of Revenue, conducted without the Public Administration Commission’s input.

Judiciary Reform Commission representative Emdadul Haque called for transparent operations in the commission tasked with appointing Supreme Court judges, based on political consensus. Meanwhile, Anti-Corruption Reform Commission representative Iftekharuzzaman proposed a roadmap to implement recommendations from commissions focused on media, labour, local government, women, and health, alongside the six primary reform commissions.

Election Commission Reform Commission head Badiul Alam Majumder pushed for the publication of a 2008 local government election draft proposal as an ordinance. Police Reform Commission representative Safar Raj Hossain also attended the meeting.