[🇧🇩] July Charter

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Commissions, govt to be responsible if July Charter not composed by July: Salahuddin Ahmed

Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) standing committee member Salahuddin Ahmed on Friday remarked the interim government and the National Consensus Commission will be responsible if the July Charter is not composed by this July. He further said an attempt has been going on to blame the BNP that...

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Commissions, govt to be responsible if July Charter not composed by July: Salahuddin Ahmed
Staff Correspondent Dhaka
Updated: 18 Jul 2025, 22: 43

BNP standing committee member Salahuddin Ahmed on 18 July 2025 addresses a rally before a silent procession, organised by the Dhaka north city unit of the BNP in Dhaka, to commemorate the martyrs of the mass uprising of 2024. Prothom Alo

Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) standing committee member Salahuddin Ahmed on Friday remarked the interim government and the National Consensus Commission will be responsible if the July Charter is not composed by this July.

He further said an attempt has been going on to blame the BNP that the reforms are not being implemented due to the BNP. But actually, the BNP is making efforts to reach a consensus.

Salahuddin Ahmed was addressing a rally before a silent procession, organised by the Dhaka north city unit of the BNP in the capital’s Pallabi area this afternoon. The silent procession was organised to commemorate the martyrs of the mass uprising of 2024.

He asked who are the people who are now holding discussions at the reform commission, having food and returning in the evening without giving any decision. Some of them had maintained communication with the Awami League at different times. It would be bad luck for the nation if the reform commission had to make a decision hearing their opinions.

The senior BNP Leader stated, “I’m not saying that all of them were with Awami League; some of them were. We forbade (the government), how could we sit with them for discussions on reforms. We have been discussing with them, having food and leaving without making any decision. Today is the 18th of July. The interim government, reform commissions and the National Consensus Commission will be responsible if the July Charter is not composed by this July.”

He took a swipe at those who seek local government elections before the parliamentary one under this interim government, stating that either they want to create confusion or delay the election.

The BNP leader also categorically said the intention of the people, who want proportional representation (PR) in the election, is bad.

Salahuddin Ahmed said those who fanned Awami League with “hand fan” (electoral symbol of the Islami Andolan Bangladesh) for 16 years now state that they do not want election at any level without the PR system. They have been joined by another party that has always done confusing politics in Bangladesh. Once they went against the independence, at another time, they went against the people and yet another time, they went against the people’s sentiment. Now they are trying to fish in troubled waters through their confusing politics.

Without taking the name of any political party the BNP standing committee member said, “Those who are dreaming anew to go to power in Bangladesh, this is good for them. But ours is a struggle to ensure people’s right to vote which will make sure who will go to power.”

“But we will have to remember that if anyone throws an election into uncertainty by deferring that, and wants to stay in power without holding elections or conspire to try to fish in troubled waters, their intention is to rehabilitate the enablers of fascism,” he added.

Salahuddin Ahmed also warned that an attempt has been going on to create division among the pro-Bangladesh forces that united in the democratic movement against fascism.

Dhaka north city unit BNP convener Aminul Haque presided over the rally where party’s acting chairman Tarique Rahman’s adviser Mahadi Amin, Jatiyatabadi Swechhasebok Dal president SM Jilani, Jatiyatabadi Krishak Dal president Hasan Arif, Jatiyatabadi Jubo Dal general secretary Nurul Islam, Dhaka north city BNP member secretary Mostofa Zaman and Chhatra Dal general secretary Nasir Uddin, among others, addressed the event.

The party leaders and activists gathered in front of the BRTC bus depot at Mirpur around 3:00 pm. From there they brought out the procession that paraded through Mirpur-11, Mirpur-10, Kazipara and ended at Shewrapara.​

 

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Still confident to finalise national charter by July 31: Prof Riaz

Vice Chair of the National Consensus Commission Prof Ali Riaz on Sunday expressed strong confidence that they would be able to prepare a national charter (reform charter) by the end of this month. “We believe we’ll be able to prepare a National Charter by July 31. We still have that co

thefinancialexpress.com.bd

Still confident to finalise national charter by July 31: Prof Riaz

UNB
Published :
Jul 20, 2025 22:54
Updated :
Jul 20, 2025 22:54

Vice Chair of the National Consensus Commission Prof Ali Riaz on Sunday expressed strong confidence that they would be able to prepare a national charter (reform charter) by the end of this month.

“We believe we’ll be able to prepare a National Charter by July 31. We still have that confidence and belief,” he told a press briefing in the afternoon after the 15th day of the second-round reform dialogue at the Foreign Service Academy in the capital.

Prof Riaz said a peaceful human chain was held in front of the Foreign Service Academy on Sunday morning by the families of those injured and killed in the historic July 2024 mass uprising.

“One of their demands is the announcement of the July Charter within this month. We express our sincere solidarity with this programme,” he said.

The Vice Chair said they also conveyed their deep respect and sympathy to the families affected during the July Mass uprising.

He said the National Consensus Commission has been working on the July Charter since February this year. Consensus has already been reached on several key issues during the first and second rounds of dialogue with political parties, Ali Riaz added.

“We expect that in the remaining days of dialogue, agreement will also be reached on a few more fundamental matters. This would enable us to prepare the National Charter within the month of July,” said Prof Riaz.​

 

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July Charter must be enforced by August 5: Nahid

National Citizen Party (NCP) Convener Nahid Islam on Thursday said the declaration of the July Charter must be implemented by August 5. He made the remark while addressing a rally as the chief guest at the Abdul Kuddus Makhan Poura Mukta Manch, reports BSS. The NCP leader said Brahmanbaria has al

thefinancialexpress.com.bd

July Charter must be enforced by August 5: Nahid

Published :
Jul 24, 2025 20:41
Updated :
Jul 24, 2025 20:41

National Citizen Party (NCP) Convener Nahid Islam on Thursday said the declaration of the July Charter must be implemented by August 5.

He made the remark while addressing a rally as the chief guest at the Abdul Kuddus Makhan Poura Mukta Manch, reports BSS.

The NCP leader said Brahmanbaria has always played a leading role in the anti-fascism movement, adding that its courageous people have repeatedly shed blood and made sacrifices for the sake of the country.

“The people of this area have always stood against fascism in all forms,” he said.

Although gas, produced in Brahmanbaria, is meeting the demand of all districts, including Dhaka, the people of Brahmanbaria themselves are being deprived of it, he added.

Nahid stressed that development should not be limited to the capital, but must reach every district across the country.

NCP Member Secretary Akhter Hossain said if anyone attempts to obstruct the transformation achieved through the sacrifice of lives and blood in July Uprising, the people are ready to make fresh sacrifices to rebuild the country anew.

NCP’s Chief Organizer (Southern region) Hasnat Abdullah, in his speech, said, “We thought that fascism had been ousted, but the Awami League is being reorganised again, capitalizing on the Milestone incident.”

Senior Joint Member Secretary Dr Tasnim Zara, NCP Central Joint Organiser Md Ataullah, Organizer Abdullah Al Mahmud Zihan, and NCP’s Brahmanbaria District Unit Chief Coordinator Azizur Rahman Liton, among others, addressed the rally.​

 

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July charter, declaration to be realised by Aug 5: NCP

National Citizen Party convener Nahid Islam today said their party is determined to realise the July charter and July declaration by August 5, as part of its ongoing movement for reforms, justice, and a new constitution.

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July charter, declaration to be realised by Aug 5: NCP
Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha . Dhaka 25 July, 2025, 19:51

NCP convener Nahid Islam speaks at a rally at Altaf Uddin Square in Sunamganj town on Friday. | BSS photo

National Citizen Party convener Nahid Islam today said their party is determined to realise the July charter and July declaration by August 5, as part of its ongoing movement for reforms, justice, and a new constitution.

‘NCP will move forward with the demands for justice over the July-August atrocities, reforms, and the establishment of a new constitution. Many political parties are now shifting from their traditional positions and aligning with reformist goals. Our party was born to repair the broken state,’ he said while addressing a rally at Altaf Uddin Square in Sunamganj town this noon.

The rally was organised as part of the NCP’s ongoing nationwide street march. It was presided over by Sunamganj district NCP convener Dewan Sajaur Raja Sumon and conducted by district joint convener

Anik Roy.

Nahid paid tribute to the people of Sunamganj for their historic role in anti-fascist movements, saying: ‘Three proud sons of Sunamganj - Ayatullah, Hridoy, and Sohag - embraced martyrdom during the July mass uprising. This district also shed blood in protests against Delhi’s dominance during Narendra Modi’s visit in 2021. We cannot repay that debt.’

NCP southern region chief coordinator Hasnat Abdullah warned against the regrouping of fascist forces, claiming that they are trying to capitalize on the Milestone jet crash tragedy.

He called upon all anti-fascist political parties to unite against the fascist Awami League, saying: ‘In the interest of Bangladesh and democracy, all anti-fascist parties must come together. We must move toward the next elections by implementing reform proposals to ensure a democratic transition.’

Criticising Mujibism, Abdullah said, ‘Attempts are being made to revive Mujibism through various tricks. But Mujibism will not return to Bangladesh. We must form socio-cultural resistance against it.’

The day’s program began with meetings with families of those martyred and injured in the July uprising. Following Jummah prayers, the NCP launched its march from the central mosque premises in Sunamganj and paraded through the town’s main roads.

Led by Nahid Islam, the rally was joined by NCP member secretary Akhtar Hossain, southern region chief organizer Hasnat Abdullah, northern region chief organizer Sarjis Alam, chief coordinator Nasiruddin Patwari, senior joint member secretaries Tasnim Zara and Samantha Sharmin, joint convener Ehteshamul Haque, and other central leaders.

Leaders of Jubo Shakti, including Abu Saleh Nasim, Ishaq Amini, Shahidul Islam, Emonoddoza, and Shakib, were also present.​

 

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NCC drafts July national charter

Political parties on Monday received the draft of the ‘July National Charter 2025’, prepared by the National Consensus Commission, which would bind the parties to implement the consensus-based reforms within two years after the formation of the parliament.

www.newagebd.net

NCC drafts July national charter
No consensus yet on appointment of PSC, ACC, CA
Staff Correspondent 29 July, 2025, 00:24

Political parties on Monday received the draft of the ‘July National Charter 2025’, prepared by the National Consensus Commission, which would bind the parties to implement the consensus-based reforms within two years after the formation of the parliament.

On the day, 30 parties attended the 20th session of the NCC’s second-round dialogue at the Foreign Service Academy in Dhaka and discussed the appointment procedures for the proposed three Public Service Commissions, the Anti-Corruption Commission, and the decision-making process of the selection committee for the caretaker government. However, no consensus was reached on the issues.

The Bangladesh Nationalist Party walked out of the dialogue for a while to abstain from discussing the appointment procedures.

Regarding the charter’s draft, the NCC vice-chair Professor Ali Riaz said the charter would contain the consensus-based reforms and the parties’ endorsement.

He requested the parties to come up with their feedback on the draft by Wednesday as the commission had earlier decided to conclude its dialogue by July 31.

The draft charter obliges the signatory parties to restore democratic accountability, uphold the rule of law, and reform state institutions.

As per a 7-point endorsement declaration, the signatories will pledge to honour the sacrifices of thousands of people during the July 2024 uprising and uphold the charter as a shared moral obligation.

The charter would mention the background of the reforms, including the history of the six reform commissions and the NCC.

During the session, the NCC presented a formula for the appointment of top officials to the PSC and the ACC, the Comptroller and Auditor General, and the Ombudsman.

As proposed, the constitution’s article 137 would be amended or omitted while three PSCs would be formed with a chair and seven members each.

To appoint top PSC officials, a seven-member selection committee would be formed, headed by the speaker of parliament. Other members would include the deputy speaker, the chief whips of the ruling and the opposition parties, a lawmaker representing the second opposition party, and the chairs of the parliamentary standing committees on education and public administration.

As proposed, the president would appoint the PSC chair and members for a five-year term, based on the committee’s recommendations.

Ninety days before the current officials’ terms expire, the committee would issue a public call for applications, including a letter of interest and a biodata, as defined by the law.

The committee would then vet candidates and make appointments based on a two-thirds majority decision.

Laws enacted by the parliament would define the eligibility criteria, code of conduct, age limit, accountability measures, and rules for resignation and reappointment of the PSC officials.

Political parties, including Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami, Nijam e Isami Party, Islami Andolan Bangladesh, Amar Bangladesh Party, Ganosamhati Andolan, Socialist Party of Bangladesh (Marxist), Bangladesh Khelafat Majlis, Gano Forum, with additional suggestions, supported the NCC proposal.

On the other hand, the BNP refrained from discussing the issue while its like-minded allies, including the Jatiyatabadi Samamana Jote, National Democratic Party, National People’s Party, Liberal Democratic Party, opposed the proposal, saying that the appointment procedure for the PSC should be guided by laws.

The NCC vice-chair said that the commission would present a refined proposal in a couple of days.

Later, the NCC proposed that the status of the statutory ACC would be changed to a constitutional body.

A separate seven-member selection and evaluation committee was proposed for appointing top ACC officials.

The committee would be chaired by the second most senior judge of the Appellate Division and include the senior-most High Court judge, the CAG, the PSC chair, one representative each from the leader of the parliament and the leader of the opposition and a civil society representative nominated by the chief justice.

NCC member Iftekharuzzaman elaborated on the proposal.

The application and the verification would be similar to that of the PSC. After the verification, the committee would finalise the list of selected candidates and the president would then appoint them, including at least one woman, for a four-year term.

Parties, including the Jamaat, IAB, Khelafat Majlis, SPB, SPB (Marxist), Communist Party of Bangladesh, National Citizen Party, AB Party and Jatiya Gano Front, supported the ACC as a constitutional body.

However, LDP secretary general Redwan Ahmed warned that constitutionalising the ACC could limit the legislative flexibility over the body. NPP president Fariduzzaman Farhad, among others, also opposed the proposal.

The issue was adjourned for further discussion.

Later, the NCC brought up the issue of the selection of a caretaker government’s chief adviser for discussion.

Jamaat nayeb-e-amir Syed Abdullah Mohammed Taher suggested that the proposed five-member selection committee would take the decision on a 4-1 majority, or apply an open ballot in ranked-choice method before considering the provisions for the caretaker government guided by the constitution’s 13th amendment.

According to the 13th amendment, the president appoints the last-retired chief justice as the chief adviser.

BNP standing committee member Salahuddin Ahmed repeated his party’s opposition to the ranked-choice method and requested that the matter be finalised in the next parliament.

Later in a press briefing, NCC vice-chair Ali Riaz requested the parties to prepare for finalising the issue by today.

He also said that the Foreign Service Academy authorities were requested to investigate a fire alarm at 12:20pm on Monday.​

 

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NCP to place 'July Charter' by August 5: Nahid Islam

National Citizen Party (NCP) Convener Nahid Islam on Tuesday said that a draft of the much-anticipated 'July Charter' has been prepared and is expected to be announced by August 5. "After the 1990 mass uprising, political parties betrayed the people and the student community. This time, the July C

thefinancialexpress.com.bd

NCP to place 'July Charter' by August 5: Nahid Islam

UNB
Published :
Jul 29, 2025 20:55
Updated :
Jul 29, 2025 20:55

National Citizen Party (NCP) Convener Nahid Islam on Tuesday said that a draft of the much-anticipated 'July Charter' has been prepared and is expected to be announced by August 5.

"After the 1990 mass uprising, political parties betrayed the people and the student community. This time, the July Charter must have the consensus of all political parties and elections must be held on its basis with full legal backing," he said.

Nahid was speaking at a street rally organised by the Gazipur Metropolitan and District units of the NCP on Rajbari Road in the city.

"The draft of the July Charter has been prepared, " he said.

"We have said that there must be consensus among the political parties on this and elections must be held based on the July document and it must have a legal basis. Whichever government comes to power, it will be obliged to implement these reforms. We hope that by August 5, the interim government and political parties will present the July Charter," he said.

Earlier in the day, the party also held a rally in Mawna of Sreepur upazila, as part of their ongoing campaign across the country.

Nahid Islam reiterated his party's stance on what he termed the fight for a "new Bangladesh."

He alleged that despite intimidation efforts by "terror elements" in Gazipur, NCP would not be deterred.

"They couldn't stop us in Gopalganj and they won't stop us in Gazipur either. We've reached 64 districts and will continue our movement. We've declared that every inch of Bangladesh's land will be freed from Mujibism, and those responsible will be brought to justice," said Nahid.

He also urged the people to stand by the families of the martyred and injured in the mass uprising.

Speaking at the rally, Hasnat Abdullah, an organiser of the party, said, "Sheikh Hasina turned the army into construction workers and used the police as political tools."

He added that reforms are underway to prevent the political misuse of law enforcement, and if given the chance, NCP would modernise and strengthen the army, he said.

Moderated by NCP organiser Sarjis Alam the rally was addressed by several other leaders of the party.​

 

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Cannot accept draft of the July Charter: NCP

The National Citizen Party (NCP) has said the National Consensus Commission suddenly released a draft of the July Charter without any prior discussion although it proposed six decision-making processes. NCP joint convener Javed Rasin said, “We strongly oppose this. There was no discussion on...

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Cannot accept draft of the July Charter: NCP
Staff Correspondent Dhaka
Published: 29 Jul 2025, 17: 45

The 21st day of the second phase of the National Consensus Commission dialogue was held at the Foreign Service Academy in the capital on Tuesday morning. Prothom Alo

The National Citizen Party (NCP) has said the National Consensus Commission suddenly released a draft of the July Charter without any prior discussion although it proposed six decision-making processes.

NCP joint convener Javed Rasin said, “We strongly oppose this. There was no discussion on how the dialogue would be conducted, yet they went ahead and released a draft — we cannot accept this.”

Javed Rasin made these remarks during the break of the 21st day of the second phase of the National Consensus Commission's dialogue at the Foreign Service Academy on Tuesday.

He said, “We have made it clear that the issues on which consensus has been reached must be given legal grounds before the election, and the next parliamentary election must be held on that basis.”

Javed Rasin said that discussions had been ongoing regarding the 'ranked choice' method in relation to the caretaker government system over the past few days.

He said, “According to this method, a proposal was made today to form a seven-member committee by adding two more members from the judiciary, who will cast votes.”

He added, “We have agreed to this proposal. Almost all political parties have agreed with us, except for the BNP and a few of its allies.”

The NCP leader said that the National Citizen Party has stated it will decide through internal discussions whether to sign the July Charter if the fundamental reforms, which the party deems essential to dismantle the 'fascist structure', are not implemented.

Today’s discussion included the participation of 30 political parties, including the BNP, Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami, National Citizen Party (NCP), Islami Andolan, Communist Party of Bangladesh (CPB), and Ganosamhati Andolan.

The discussion was presided over by National Consensus Commission Vice-President Ali Riaz. It was moderated by Monir Haider, Special Assistant to the Chief Adviser. Others present included Safar Raj Hossain, justice Emdadul Haque, Badiul Alam Majumdar, Iftekharuzzaman, and Aiyub Mia.​

 

[Saif]

Jamaat, NCP reject draft July Charter

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami and National Citizen Party representatives on Tuesday rejected the National Consensus Commission-drafted July National Charter 2025...

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Jamaat, NCP reject draft July Charter
No consensus yet on key posts, women’s representation
Staff Correspondent 29 July, 2025, 23:53

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami and National Citizen Party representatives on Tuesday rejected the National Consensus Commission-drafted July National Charter 2025.

The political leaders expressed their concerns while talking to journalists in the NCC-hosted 21st dialogue session at the Foreign Service Academy in Dhaka.

On the day, the NCC’s second-round dialogue session covered discussions on the selection of the caretaker government chief adviser, the appointments of the Comptroller and Auditor General and the Ombudsman, and women’s representation in the parliament. However, no consensus was reached on the issues.

The NCC on Monday presented the draft July charter that would bind the political parties to implement the consensus-based reforms within two years of the formation of the next parliament.

NCC vice-chair Professor Ali Riaz declared, ‘This dialogue will continue no longer than July 31.’

Talking about the draft charter, Jamaat nayeb-e-amir Syed Abdullah Mohammad Taher termed it ‘incomplete’ and the time-bound roadmap as ‘dangerous’.

He advocated for a legal framework through an ordinance, to be later ratified by the elected parliament, or through a referendum.

NCP joint convener Javed Rasin echoed this sentiment.

Earlier, the NCC presented a refined formula to select the caretaker government’s chief adviser.

As proposed, a five-member selection committee, chaired by the parliament speaker would finalise the chief adviser from a pool of law-defined ‘eligible’ candidates, nominated by political parties and independent lawmakers.

The selection committee members would finalise the chief adviser by building consensus, or pick one by a 4-1 majority vote, or include two members, one Appellate Division judge and one High Court judge, to facilitate a ranked-choice method, or resort to the constitution’s 13th amendment, excluding the president.

The 13th amendment in 1996 provisioned for selecting the chief adviser from the last-retired chief justice and allowed the president for this role in case of unavailability of eligible candidates.

BNP standing committee member Salahuddin Ahmed objected to these voting mechanisms, arguing that the next parliament should make decisions in case of a deadlock.

The Jamaat’s Taher and the Rashtra Sangskar Andolan’s Syed Hasibuddin Hossain opposed Salahuddin’s stance and backed the NCC proposal.

Rejecting the 13th amendment, NCP member secretary Akhter Hossen pushed for the issue to be settled within the ongoing dialogue.

In contrast, the Gano Forum’s Jaglul Haider Afrik and the 12-Party Alliance’s Shahaduzzaman Selim supported using the 13th amendment.

The NCC also laid out fresh proposals for appointing the CAG and the Ombudsman, including amending articles 127(1) and 77 of the constitution, respectively.

For the CAG, a proposed seven-member selection committee headed by the deputy speaker would finalise the candidate to be appointed by the president.

For the Ombudsman, another seven-member committee headed by the parliament speaker would finalise the candidate.

Although the BNP had earlier opted out of the discussions on CAG and Ombudsman appointments, Salahuddin on Tuesday suggested pursuing consensus for filling in the long-vacant Ombudsman post.

He also recommended forming an Ombudsman secretariat and revising laws to define its powers as an investigative and quasi-judicial authority.

‘Otherwise, the constitutional inclusion of appointment procedures alone will not work,’ he said.

Several parties, including Gano Adhikar Parishad, NCP, National Democratic Party and Amar Bangladesh Party, advocated for the constitutional recognition of these appointment mechanisms.

The NCC also presented a fresh proposal retaining the current 50 reserved seats for women and their existing electoral process.

Additionally, it recommended mandating that parties must field women in one-fourth or one-fifth of their contested seats, if they run in at least 25 constituencies.

The BNP’s Salahuddin suggested a minimum of 5 per cent of a party’s nominations be allotted to women.

The Revolutionary Workers Party, Communist Party of Bangladesh, Socialist Party of Bangladesh, NCP, and Gano Adhikar Parishad strongly advocated for 100 reserved seats for women.

The Jamaat’s Taher said that the party was open to 100 reserved seats under a vote-share-based proportional system but otherwise supported retaining the existing 50 seats.

Wrapping up the discussion, NCC vice-chair Ali Riaz proposed that parties would commit to nominating 5–7 per cent women candidates for the next national election, with a gradual increase to 15 per cent.

‘Those who agree will sign the charter. Those who don’t can record their reservations,’ he said.​