Talks Between Political Parties and Consensus Commission Begin – Bangladesh

Dhaka, July 2, 2025 – The National Consensus Commission in Bangladesh has initiated its eighth day of second-phase discussions with political parties, focusing on key constitutional and electoral reforms. The meeting, held at the Foreign Service Academy, saw participation from major political groups, including the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and Jamaat-e-Islami, signaling a renewed effort to address long-standing political divides.

The discussions aim to finalize recommendations from reform commissions addressing the constitution, judiciary, electoral system, public administration, and anti-corruption measures. Topics on the table include constituency delimitation, the caretaker government model, constitutional amendment processes, and women’s representation in local governance. While some parties advocate for a proportional representation system for a proposed 100-seat upper house in parliament, others remain divided on the presidential election process, with proposals ranging from an electoral college to direct elections.

Recent posts on X highlight public interest in these talks, with many expressing hope for a unified approach to reforms. However, disagreements persist, particularly over the formation of a National Constitutional Council to oversee key appointments, such as the chief election commissioner and Anti-Corruption Commission chairman. The commission, led by Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus and Vice-Chairman Prof Ali Riaz, remains optimistic about drafting a “July Charter” to reflect areas of agreement.

Southasiandesk.com will continue to monitor these developments, providing updates on Bangladesh’s efforts to strengthen its democratic framework.

Published in SouthAsianDesk, July 2nd, 2025

Follow SouthAsianDesk on X, Instagram and Facebook for insights on business and current affairs from across South Asia.