At the same time, in an effort to build consensus on the July National Charter, the National Consensus Commission has been engaging in informal talks with political parties.
Disagreements over the implementation mechanism and the declaration of commitments have stalled the charter. The commission has held multiple informal discussions with the parties on these two issues.
Sources said that no consensus has emerged among the BNP, Jamaat-e-Islami, and the NCP — although Jamaat and the NCP are closer in position. Their main differences with the BNP lie in implementation procedures and commitments. While some minor disagreements have narrowed, on major issues the parties remain rigid.
The BNP wants constitutional reforms implemented through the next parliament. Jamaat and the NCP, however, want reforms implemented before the upcoming national election, arguing that the election must be held on the basis of reforms; otherwise, the process will be stalled.
Sources also said that the Consensus Commission has been holding both formal and informal talks with experts about implementation. The commission had hoped to begin formal talks with parties last week, but major differences prevented it. The commission now aims to narrow gaps through informal discussions before concluding the July Charter with one or two days of formal negotiations.
Monir Haidar, special assistant to the chief adviser and part of the consensus process, told Prothom Alo that dates for formal talks with the parties have not yet been finalised. The commission is holding informal discussions in various formats — sometimes with individual parties, sometimes with two or more together. More informal talks will be held.