Formal talks with political parties over reforms likely in February: Rizwana
A one-month extension has been granted to six reform commissions to complete their tasks, she says
The interim government may start formal talks with political parties in February next for reaching a consensus over the reform initiatives, said Environment Adviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan today (15 January).
"I think the talks with political parties could be started in the middle of February next," she said at a press briefing at the Foreign Service Academy after the submission of the reports of the four reform commissions.
Rizwana also said, "A one-month extension has been granted to six reform commissions to complete their tasks. The complete reports of these commissions will be published by 31 January.
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"Only the main points and summaries will be published on the commission's respective websites today. Any recommendations or feedback received regarding these reports will also be shared today," she added.
Rizwana believes it is possible to create a roadmap within a month.
The adviser further said, "These independent commissions will sit and decide the next steps, and they will decide where their priorities should be."
Speaking at the conference, Law Adviser Asif Nazrul said if the completion of commissions' reports can be finished quickly, the formal talks with political parties can be opened in the first week of February.
"The reason for the additional time is that there is some overlap in certain areas and coordination is needed," he added.
He expressed optimism, stating, "We hope to complete the entire process, but it primarily depends on how much consensus the political parties can reach regarding the reforms."
The adviser further said, "If we aim for minimum reforms to conduct the elections, it can happen this year. However, if we pursue more comprehensive reforms to meet the desired standards, it might take until June 2026."
Asif explained that the reform commission's recommendations would guide discussions with political parties. "We will try to identify the minimum reforms where consensus exists and address the expected reforms thereafter."
He also outlined an unofficial four-stage reform process, beginning with commissions preparing reports and recommendations for reforms.
The second stage involves political parties engaging in discussions to reach an agreement on these proposals, facilitated by the National Consensus Commission led by the chief adviser. Once a consensus is achieved, the third stage will focus on drafting the required laws and policies. Finally, the agreed reforms will be implemented in the fourth stage.
Earlier, the chiefs of four commissions -- Constitutional Reform Commission, Electoral Reform Commission, Police Administration Reform Commission and the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) Reform Commission-- submitted their reports to Chief Adviser Dr Muhammad Yunus at his office.
Local Government, Rural Development, and Cooperatives Adviser Asif Mahmud Sajib Bhuiyan and CA's Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam also spoke.
