Dhaka, June 18 -- Political parties in Bangladesh have reached "consensus" on five major issues, including amending Article 70 of the Constitution on the first day of the second round talks, National Consensus Commission Vice Chairman Ali Riaz said.

The other agreed topics are appointing parliamentary standing committee chairs from opposition parties, reserving 100 seats for women, introducing a bicameral parliament, and changing the procedure for appointing the chief justice.

Riaz shared the outcome at a press conference around 6pm on Tuesday, following the day's meeting at the Foreign Service Academy in Dhaka with representatives of 30 political parties.

Riaz said discussions confirmed that lawmakers will be allowed to vote independe...