Vice Chairman of the National Consensus Commission Prof Ali Riaz today (May 10) said the proposed National Charter—being formulated through nationwide dialogue—will ensure the protection of all citizens' rights and lay the foundation for a democratic Bangladesh.

He said, “A democratic state cannot be built, nor can human dignity be upheld, without guaranteeing the rights of all citizens.” 

Prof. Riaz said this while opening a discussion between the United People’s Democratic Front (UPDF) and the Commission at the LD Hall of the National Parliament.

He emphasized that only a truly democratic system can uphold justice, enforce the rule of law, and ensure an independent judiciary that serves people at the grassroots level.

Prof. Riaz described the current initiative as a “historic moment,” achieved at the cost of many lives, saying, “For the first time, an opportunity has been created for all political forces to shape the future of the state together. The proposals presented by the commission aim to establish a roadmap through national consensus.”

He urged all political parties to actively engage in the process to make it meaningful and successful.

The session was attended by several commission members, including Dr. Badiul Alam Majumder, Dr. Iftekharuzzaman, Safar Raj Hossain, and Special Assistant to the Chief Advisor Monir Haider.

A four-member UPDF delegation, led by Dhaka region organizer Michael Chakma, also joined the dialogue. Other members included party representative Sunayan Chakma, Democratic Youth Forum President Zico Tripura, and Amal Tripura, president of the Greater Hilly Chittagong Hill Tracts Pahari Chhatra Parishad.

According to a press release from the Commission, 28 political parties have so far participated in the ongoing discussions aimed at drafting a consensus-based National Charter.

SMS/