Commission only reflects parties’ inputs, no impositions: Ali Riaz

National Consensus Commission Vice President Professor Ali Riaz has assured political parties that the commission is not imposing any decisions but is working to incorporate their sentiments and perspectives into revised proposals.

Speaking on Monday at the Foreign Service Academy during the second phase of dialogue with political parties, Ali Riaz said, “I have repeatedly stated in separate meetings with parties that the commission is not forcing anything. There is no expectation that we will reach consensus on everything — and we won’t. Still, we must try to find common ground wherever possible.”

Monday’s agenda included discussions on expanding subordinate courts to the upazila level, provisions for emergency declarations, and women’s representation.

Ali Riaz noted that due to objections from parties, earlier proposals such as enshrining pluralism in the constitution and dividing the country into four provinces were dropped from the revised draft. “This is precisely because consensus is not possible on every issue. Where it is, we want to reach it,” he said.

He highlighted that several matters have already progressed through dialogue, while some topics are yet to be tabled. “Today, we are presenting a new issue for discussion,” he added.

Ali Riaz emphasized that the commission is holding continuous meetings to ensure that revised proposals truly reflect the concerns and positions of political parties. “We are trying to present revisions that carry the sentiments and statements of the parties. This process is being done sincerely to avoid misunderstandings or confusion,” he said.

“Our main goal is to prioritize the important issues you’ve raised,” he told party representatives, adding that while political events scheduled throughout July might pose challenges, he hoped more sessions could be held to build further consensus.

During the dialogue, all political parties present expressed agreement on expanding subordinate courts to the upazila level to make justice more accessible to the public. However, parties opposed setting up new courts in upazilas that are geographically close to district headquarters.

The commission’s proposal recommended assessing the geographic location of upazila centers, their distance from district towns, transportation networks, population density, and case loads to decide where permanent courts should be established. It also suggested reviewing existing circuit courts to determine whether they should be converted into permanent courts or reorganized.

Where necessary, the proposal said, multiple upazilas could be grouped under a single court’s jurisdiction based on local realities. The plan also called for appointing senior assistant judges and first-class magistrates to these courts, raising the financial jurisdiction of senior assistant judges for civil cases, and expanding legal aid activities to upazila levels.

Several parties recommended setting a clear timeframe for when this expansion would be completed.

Monday’s meeting brought together representatives from 30 political parties, including the BNP, Jamaat-e-Islami, National Citizen Party (NCP), Islami Andolon, CPB, and AB Party. The session was chaired by Professor Ali Riaz.

The discussion was moderated by Monir Haider, Special Assistant (Consensus) to the Chief Advisor, with commission members Dr Badiul Alam Majumdar, Dr Iftekharuzzaman, Dr Ayub Mia, and Safar Raj Hossain also present.

Ali Riaz concluded by stressing, “We are striving to come to your position. These revised texts are shaped by the importance of the issues you have raised.”