The result of institutional weaknesses and the failure to build a democratic state over the past 53 years are the reasons behind the establishment of a fascist regime in Bangladesh, said Prof Ali Riaz, vice-chairman of the National Consensus Commission.
He made the remarks at the beginning of a discussion between the commission and the Amjanata Party, at the LD Hall of the Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban in Dhaka, reports The Daily Star.
Commission members Iftekharuzzaman, Badiul Alam Majumdar, Safar Raj Hossain, and Monir Haidar, special assistant to the chief adviser, were present at the discussion.
In his opening speech, Prof Riaz also said the aim of the commission is to develop an inclusive national charter through discussions with all stakeholders--a charter that would serve as a roadmap for the future of Bangladesh.
He further noted that people across all levels of society have endured the oppression of fascism for the past 16 years and emphasised that such a period must never return.
He declared that the time has come to build a new Bangladesh and that ongoing dialogue between political parties and the NCC will act as a catalyst in this nation-building process.
The Amjanata Party was represented by a 12-member delegation led by party president Miah Moshiuzzaman. the other members include General Secretary Md Tarek Rahman, Organisational Secretary Foysal Ahmed, Executive Member Sadhana Mahal, and Tamanna Shikha.
So far, the commission has received feedback from 35 political parties and completed its first round of discussions with 16 parties, including the Amjanata Party.
