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It noted that there had been discussions on proposals from political parties, which included forming a Constituent Assembly, issuing a Constitutional Order, seeking the Supreme Court’s opinion, and holding a referendum.

Commission member Badiul Alam Majumdar also told The Daily Star yesterday that the body is currently weighing four broad options: a Constitutional Order, a referendum, opinion from the Supreme Court, and a Constituent or Constitutional Reform Assembly.

“Talks will be held with political parties on this matter,” he said.

The next round of talks with parties is set to begin on October 5.

Several sources at the meeting with experts indicated that if a referendum is approved, it could be held on the same day as the general election planned for February next year.

In the case of a Constituent Assembly or Constitutional Reform Assembly, elections for the assembly and the national parliament could be held together.

The assembly would then carry out its reform mandate alongside regular legislative functions, while the president would issue any necessary Constitutional Order.

Experts who joined Friday’s meeting included Justice MA Matin, a retired judge of the Appellate Division; Justice Moinul Islam Chowdhury, a retired judge of the High Court; Mohammad Ikramul Haque, dean of Dhaka University’s law faculty; and lawyers Sharif Bhuiyan, Tanim Hossain Shawon, and Imran Siddique. Commission participants included its Vice-President Prof Ali Riaz, and members Badiul Alam Majumdar, Justice Md Emdadul Haque, Iftekharuzzaman, and Md Aiyub Mia.

Political parties have been grappling to reach a consensus on how to implement the July Charter reform proposals tied to the constitution. Many of the 84 proposals are constitutional matters.

Earlier rounds of consensus commission dialogue stalled, with the September 17 session ending fruitlessly for a third consecutive day.

To break the impasse, the commission floated the idea of issuing a Constitutional Order and holding a referendum alongside the next general election.

The BNP rejected the proposal, warning it could create “constitutional disorder” and set a “bad precedent.”

The Jamaat-e-Islami, in contrast, supported the move but demanded the referendum take place before election day.

The National Citizen Party remained undecided, pending consultations with legal experts.

Political parties and experts had earlier floated a range of options: a referendum; a Special or Provisional Constitutional Order by the president; enactment through the next parliament or a constituent assembly; designating parliament itself as a reform assembly; or seeking the Supreme Court’s advice.

Party positions varied. BNP proposed that all parties commit to the charter in their manifestos, with the winner responsible for reforms within two years.

Jamaat called for a “Provisional Constitutional Order” effective from August 5, 2024, placing the charter above all existing laws.

The NCP and AB Party demanded a constituent assembly, while Islami Andolan Bangladesh suggested a presidential proclamation.

Ganosamhati Andolan sought a “Constitutional Reform Council”, with implementation within six months of the next government and full execution in a year. Rastroshongskar Andolon proposed electing a “Constitution Reform Convention/Assembly” alongside parliamentary polls.

Several parties, including AB Party, Khelafat Majlish, Zaker Party and Gono Odhikar Parishad, supported a referendum, while the Samajtantrik Dal (Marxist) favoured one only if broad consensus was reached. The Communist Party of Bangladesh, Bangladesher Samajtantrik Dal, and Gonoforum insisted reforms should be left to the next parliament.