Dhaka, April 16 -- The Vice-Chairman of the National Consensus Commission (NCC), Professor Ali Riaz, voiced optimism yesterday that the proposed National Charter would pave the way for long-anticipated reforms of the state and reflect the aspirations of the Bangladeshi people.

His remarks came during the opening of a formal dialogue between the NCC and the National Democratic Movement (NDM-Bangladesh) held at the LD Hall of the National Parliament Building. A press release issued by the NCC confirmed the development.

"We may sit on opposite sides of the table in discussions with political parties, but we are not opposite to one another," said Professor Riaz. "We are on the same side with a common goal - to find a clear path toward state...