Ali Riaz optimistic over success of state reform efforts

Vice Chairman of the National Consensus Commission Prof Ali Riaz on Sunday (18th May) expressed strong optimism that the ongoing efforts for state reforms will undoubtedly succeed, reports UNB.

“This is not just a matter of the National Consensus Commission. Achieving consensus is a shared responsibility of the political parties, civil society and other political and social forces. Everyone is sincere, everyone wants it. We believe that everyone’s effort will undoubtedly be a success,” he said.

Prof Riaz made the remarks while presiding over the second day of talks between Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami and the National Consensus Commission at the LD Hall of the Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban.

An 11-member Jamaat delegation, led by its Nayeb-e-Ameer Syed Abdullah Muhammad Taher, took part in the discussions.

Highlighting the sacrifices made to reach the current stage of reform dialogue, Prof Riaz said, “Many lives have been lost to bring us here. We’ve come here through much bloodshed. We must always remember that we owe them a responsibility.”

Earlier, on April 26, Jamaat-e-Islami participated in the first day of talks with the Consensus Commission.

The Commission began its dialogue series with political parties on March 20 to build a national consensus on state reforms initiated by the interim government.

So far, it has held talks with more than 30 political parties, including BNP and the National Citizens Party (NCP).

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

The Commission in its initial phase, compiled recommendations from five dedicated commissions focused on constitutional, public administration, electoral, judicial, and anti-corruption reforms and shared those with 39 political parties for feedback.

At least 34 political parties, including BNP, Jamaat and NCP, responded with their reform proposals.