Staff Correspondent:

Professor Ali Riaz, vice-chairperson of the National Consensus Commission (NCC), on Saturday said that although the interim government has initiated the process of state reform, the demand for such changes stems from the people themselves.

He made the remarks during a meeting with the Bangladesh Jatiya Samajtantrik Dal (JASAD) at the LD Hall of the National Parliament Complex.

“The commission aims to conclude the first phase of discussions with political parties by mid-May. Following that, the second phase will begin. Through this process, we hope to identify a clear roadmap for state reform,” said Prof Riaz.

The meeting was part of the NCC’s ongoing efforts to build national consensus around key reform issues.

Other commission members present included Safar Raj Hossain, Justice Emdadul Haque, Iftekharuzzaman, Badiul Alam Majumdar, and Monir Haider, special assistant to the chief adviser.

JASAD’s 10-member delegation was led by General Secretary Nazmul Haque Prodhan. Other participants included Indu Nondo Dutta, Mushtaq Hossain, and ATM Mohabbat Ali.

The NCC was formed under the leadership of Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus and officially began its activities on February 15.

In its first phase, the NCC established five specialised reform commissions: the Constitution Reform Commission, Public Administration Reform Commission, Electoral Reform Commission, Judicial Reform Commission, and Anti-Corruption Commission Reform Commission.

A spreadsheet of key recommendations from these commissions was sent to 39 political parties, inviting their opinions. To date, 32 parties have responded.

Formal discussions on the reform proposals began on March 20. So far, the NCC has completed initial consultations with seven political parties.