National Consensus Commission Vice President Prof Dr Ali Riaz on Thursday expressed optimism that the commission will hold meetings with at least four political parties before Eid-ul-Fitr.
“We are in contact with different political parties and discussions are underway. Before Eid, we aim to hold talks with at least four political parties,” he said at parliament after receiving opinions from the Jamaat-e-Islami on reform proposals.
A delegation from the Jamaat, led by Secretary General Mia Golam Porwar, submitted their opinions to the commission.
Ali Riaz said that they started dialogue with political parties on Thursday and sought opinions from the parties, with some still submitting opinions.
Responding to a question, he said there is no pressure on them as Chief Adviser Dr Yunus heads the commission.
"So, the question of external pressure does not arise," he said.
Political parties are, of course, free to express their positions, but as a commission, their responsibility is to present the recommendations of the reform committees and discuss them with the political parties, he said.
The Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) was scheduled to participate in the first round of discussions at 3pm at the LD Hall of the Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban.
