Dhaka, July 27 -- Vice Chair of the National Consensus Commission Prof Ali Riaz on Sunday said the ongoing dialogue on state reforms must conclude by July 31 under any circumstances.

"We must finish this process (of reform discussion) by July 31 by any means. There is no alternative," he said while presiding over the 19th-day session of the second-round dialogue between the NCC and political parties at the Foreign Service Academy in the capital.

Three issues - formation of a police commission, fundamental principles of the State and expansion of basic rights of the citizens - are being discussed on Sunday.

The NCC Vice Chair said there has been a consensus on 10 of the eighteen key agenda items discussed so far, although notes of disse...