Dhaka, June 23 -- The National Consensus Commission Vice-Chairman Ali Riaz has said Bangladesh faces "four fundamental challenges", involving state reform initiatives, ending the culture of impunity, holding fair elections, and adapting to global geopolitics.

Speaking at an event at Dhaka University on Sunday, he said the country could fall into instability again if these challenges are not overcome.

He said, "Bangladesh must act now to avoid the fate of Middle Eastern and North African countries.

"Preventing a return to autocracy and ensuring a peaceful democratic transition is the responsibility of all political parties, not just the interim government."

On the parliamentary polls, Riaz said: "Countries that have been able to transf...