Dhaka: President Abdul Hamid on Monday said consensus among political parties on various national issues is very urgent.

The President said this in a discussion with Bangladesher Samajtantrik Dal (BSD) over the formation of the next Election Commission (EC).

BSD General secretary Khalequzzaman led the party's 10-member delegation in the discussion held at the Darbar Hall of Bangabhaban.

During the 30-minute meeting, the BSD placed a five-point proposal over the formation of a search committee and the new EC.

The proposals include enacting a law as per the constitution to appoint election commissioners and formation of a nine-member EC instead of five-member and separate allocation for the EC in the national budget.

President Abdul Hamid thanked the BSD delegation for their constructive proposals over the EC formation.

Later, the President held discussion with Jatiya Samajtantrik Dal (Ambia) at the Darbar Hall of Bangabhaban.

During the meeting, the party proposed formation of a search committee with the heads of constitutional organisations and former Chief Election Commissioners.

During the 35-minute meeting, the Jatiya Samajtantrik Dal, led by its president Sharif Nurul Ambia,   placed a five-point proposal over the formation of a search committee and the new EC.

The party's proposals include appointment of the election commissioners in phases to maintain continuity of the EC, appointing election commissioners having administrative experience and loyalty to the spirit of the Liberation War.

The delegation appreciated the President's discussion initiative saying the step has created expectation among people of the country. They hoped that Abdul Hamid will be able to fulfill the expectation through forming a strong and acceptable EC.

Abdul Hamid said the confidence and trust of common people on the EC is important to hold a fair election and hoped the opinions and proposals of political parties will play positive role in forming a strong EC.

The President initiated the formal talks with political parties about the EC formation with holding discussions with BNP on December 18 last year.

 He took the dialogue initiative as the tenure of the current Kazi Rakibuddin Ahmad-led EC expires in February.

 Secretaries concerned to the President Office were present.