Political parties on Sunday achieved a significant breakthrough by reaching a consensus on amending the constitutional provision for emergency proclamations, as the National Consensus Commission pushes to finalise a broader national reform charter by the end of this month.
The agreement was reached on the 12th day of the second round of reform dialogues hosted by the National Consensus Commission at the Foreign Service Academy in Dhaka, where around 30 political parties have been deliberating on critical state reform issues since early June.
Saiful Huq, general secretary of the Revolutionary Workers Party of Bangladesh (RWPB), told reporters that political parties had agreed to amend Article 141(A) of the Constitution to prevent misuse of emergency powers. Under the new proposal, a proclamation of emergency would be limited to 90 days — down from the current 120 — and could only be extended for an additional 30 days. Crucially, the ambiguous ground of "internal disturbance" would be replaced by threats to the independence, sovereignty, or integration of the state.
The proposed changes also stipulate stronger checks: such a proclamation would require prior approval of the Cabinet, with the leader or deputy leader of the opposition invited to participate in the decision-making session. Additionally, during any state of emergency, two fundamental rights would remain inviolable — the right to life and the right to protection from persecution, cruel, inhumane, or defamatory treatment.
Abul Hasan Rubel, executive coordinator of Ganasamhati Andolon, who also attended the talks, emphasised that these safeguards were essential to uphold basic civil liberties even in times of national crisis.
The dialogue on emergency provisions is part of a larger push by the National Consensus Commission to develop a comprehensive reform roadmap. Speaking on the same day, Commission Vice Chair Professor Ali Riaz underscored the urgency of reaching consensus on all fundamental issues by July 31. “We are trying to reach a logical point by the end of July, by any means,” he said. “A national charter must be formulated through consensus on some fundamental issues. Our target is to finalise this by July 30. At most, we may extend to July 31.”
Professor Riaz added that the adoption of this charter would honour the sacrifices made during the historic July-August movement, signalling a commitment to democratic consolidation and institutional accountability.
Other key topics slated for discussion in the ongoing dialogue include the process for appointing the Chief Justice and additional constitutional reforms. Once the consultations conclude, the Commission is expected to announce the National Charter, setting a clear reform pathway for the country.
The National Consensus Commission, led by Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus, was formed on February 15 this year to forge a unified stance on crucial state matters. It launched its first round of talks on March 20, engaging with 33 political parties and alliances before wrapping up the initial phase on May 19.
As the July deadline approaches, the recent consensus on emergency reform signals growing momentum toward achieving a historic agreement that could reshape Bangladesh’s constitutional and political landscape.
