In a significant step toward building a just, inclusive, and democratic Bangladesh, the National Consensus Commission has expressed its commitment to translating the aspirations sparked by the mass uprising of July-August 2024 into a concrete national vision. This declaration was made during a high-level dialogue with the Bangladesh Socialist Party (BASAD), held today at the LD Hall of the National Parliament in Dhaka.
Professor Ali Riaz, Vice President of the National Consensus Commission, addressed the gathering and emphasized the commission’s objective of formulating a National Charter of Consensus. “This charter will reflect the collective will of the people and will guide all political parties to work together in realizing the shared hopes and dreams of the nation,” he stated. According to him, the July-August people’s uprising not only exposed long-standing frustrations but also gave voice to the public’s enduring hope for a better future.
Highlighting the positive momentum generated by recent political activism, Professor Riaz reaffirmed that the commission is not a substitute for political leadership but a platform to build understanding and unity. “We seek to build a state where equality, citizenship rights, and respect for diverse opinions are fundamental pillars,” he added.
Justice Emdadul Haque, Dr. Badiul Alam Majumdar, Safar Raj Hossain, Dr. Iftekharuzzaman, Ayub Miah, and Monir Haidar (Special Assistant to the Chief Advisor) also attended the meeting as commission members. Their presence underlined the collective seriousness of the initiative.
The Bangladesh Socialist Party delegation was led by General Secretary Bazlur Rashid Firoz and included Joint Secretary Razequzzaman Ratan along with prominent members such as Nikhil Das, Janardan Dutta Nantu, Engineer Shampa Basu, Dr. Manisha Chakraborty, Zulfiqar Ali, Ahsan Habib Bulbul, Khalekuzzaman Lipon, Abu Nayeem Khan Biplob, and Rahat Ahmed.
During the discussion, both sides expressed a shared commitment to strengthening democracy, ensuring social justice, and promoting inclusive development. Professor Ali Riaz emphasized that today’s political awakening stems from the people’s enduring struggle for justice and dignity. He described last year’s uprising as a powerful signal of a new dawn for Bangladesh. It is a call to build a Bangladesh where no one is left behind.
The Commission’s approach includes reviewing reform proposals from various commissions and initiating dialogues with all political forces to foster consensus on national priorities. This initiative is seen as a beacon of hope, especially at a time when people are seeking a new direction based on unity, reform, and respect for democratic values.
This dialogue marks another milestone in the journey toward a future that is fair, participatory, and grounded in the aspirations of the people. As the process unfolds, optimism continues to grow that this unified vision will shape a new chapter for Bangladesh.
