Ali Riaz urges structural reforms to build an accountable state

Prof. Ali Riaz, Vice Chairman of the National Consensus Commission, on Thursday emphasized the urgent need for structural reforms to establish a transparent and accountable state, which he said would lay the foundation for a prosperous future for generations to come in Bangladesh.

“If we can build an accountable state through structural transformation, future generations will consider Bangladesh an ideal place,” said Riaz, while presiding over a dialogue with Bhashani Onushari Parishad at the LD Hall of the Jatiya Sangsad.

A 15-member delegation of Bhashani Onushari Parishad, led by Chairman Sheikh Rafiqul Islam Babul, took part in the discussion organized by the National Consensus Commission.

Riaz drew parallels between the current need for unity and the collective resistance against fascism in the past. “We fought together against fascism. By forging similar unity, we can initiate transformative change in Bangladesh,” he said.

He noted that the public aspiration for an accountable state has persisted for over five decades, and referenced the mass uprising in July, during which, he recalled, “millions took to the streets, and many sacrificed their lives.” He called this a clear mandate from the people: “No citizen or youth of Bangladesh should have to give their life on the streets just to claim their rights.”

Expressing optimism, Prof. Riaz said he hoped political parties would reach a consensus, and reiterated the Commission’s role as a catalyst for dialogue and reform. “Political parties and the people must unite behind this cause. If that unity is forged, the goal is achievable,” he said.

He stressed that over the past 16 years, every political force opposing authoritarianism has shared a single goal: to establish a democratic Bangladesh.

“Our aim is to build a state where no citizen is subjected to enforced disappearance or extrajudicial killings, where the judiciary is independent, and where no leader is above the law or allowed to centralize power,” Riaz stated.

Other participants in the discussion included Commission members Safar Raj Hossain, Justice Emdadul Haque, Dr. Badiul Alam Majumdar, and Dr. Iftekharuzzaman. The event was moderated by Monir Haider, Special Assistant to the Chief Adviser.