July Charter signed for 'new Bangladesh'

Head of interim government Prof Muhammad Yunus and major political parties' leaders Friday signed on the July National Charter 2025 stipulating institutional reforms for rebuilding Bangladesh in spirit of the uprising that toppled the past 'fascist' regime.

"We're now newborns-it marks the birth of a new Bangladesh," the Chief Adviser of the post-uprising government said at the open-air signing ceremony, with the signatory senior leaders on the podium and select guests in front on the parliament premises in Dhaka.

The ceremonial adoption of the new national document took place at 5:00pm at the National Parliament's south plaza, attended by members of the interim government's Advisory Council, diplomats from several countries, and representatives of the National Consensus Commission.

Professor Ali Riaz, vice-chair of the Commission, and other members also inked the document alongside political leaders.

The charter was endorsed by senior representatives of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), including Secretary-General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir and Standing Committee member Salahuddin Ahmed, Jamaat-e-Islami's Deputy Amir Syed Abdullah Mohammad Taher and Secretary-General Mia Golam Porwar, and leaders from the Amar Bangladesh (AB) Party, Ganasanghati Andolon, and several other opposition groups.

However, National Citizens Party, the party floated by student leaders of the July uprising, and several leftist and centrist parties, including the Communist Party of Bangladesh (CPB), the Socialist Party of Bangladesh (BSD), BSD (Marxist), Jatiya Samajtantrik Dal (JASAD) and Gono Forum, refrained from signing, citing unresolved concerns over the document's implementation framework.

Addressing the assembly after the charter signing, Dr Yunus declared it as a defining moment in the nation's transition from decades of political authoritarianism.

"Through the July Charter, Bangladesh begins anew. This transformation was made possible by the people's uprising. It represents the second phase of our revolution," he said about the turning point that lifts the nation on a "higher plane".

"We have replaced the old order with new principles for governance and accountability - from parliament to the administration. This is our rebirth. With today's signing, we mark the beginning of a new Bangladesh," says the Nobel laureate in his speech televised live.

He had words of praise for the political parties and the National Consensus Commission for achieving what he called "the impossible" the other day.

"Together, political parties and the Commission have done what once seemed impossible. This will remain a global example of peaceful democratic transformation," he said about the note of unison, urging its sustenance through the national elections.

"The signing of this charter is not the end of our journey - it is only the beginning," Dr Yunus declared from the podium.

The event began at 4:37pm with the national anthem, followed by speeches from commission members and political leaders.

The National Consensus Commission vice-chair, Professor Ali Riaz, described the July Charter as "not merely a political agreement among parties but a social contract between citizens, and political forces, and the state itself".

"This charter has been written through the sacrifices of those who abnegated their lives and those still suffering - the July fighters," he said. "It reflects people's longstanding aspirations for state reform. The anti-fascist struggle that began with the student movement against inequality and culminated in the one-point demand for Hasina's resignation has now found expression in this document."

Riaz cautions, however, that the charter alone would not guarantee reform. "This is not the end. No document can ensure success on its own. We must work collectively to realise the promises of this national charter," he said.

The ceremony was anchored by Monir Haider, Special Assistant to the CA.

Earlier in the day, violence erupted outside the National Parliament as police fought back members of the July Martyrs' Families and Injured Fighters Association who had gathered on Manik Mia Avenue to demand official recognition for those killed or wounded during the uprising.

At least 20 people were injured as police fired teargas and used batons to disperse demonstrators shortly after noon. Witnesses said the unrest escalated after protesters attempted to approach the south plaza of the parliament where the signing event was being staged.

"We had been protesting peacefully for recognition of our sacrifices," said one injured demonstrator. "Instead of hearing us, the police attacked with batons and teargas."

Shops and offices in the area were briefly shut as panic spread, though the situation was later brought under control.

The July-August 2024 uprising, triggered by student-led protests against corruption, disparity, and authoritarian rule, forced the resignation and eventual flight of former prime minister Sheikh Hasina after 16 years in power. The movement evolved into a nationwide demand for structural reforms, including an independent judiciary, electoral neutrality, and decentralisation of governance.

Following Hasina's departure, an interim government led by Nobel-laureate microfinance pioneer Muhammad Yunus was installed with the mandate to oversee political reforms and prepare for a new election.

The National Consensus Commission - comprising academics, civil-society representatives and political leaders - was established to draft the July National Charter, which outlines a roadmap for inclusive governance, judicial independence, and citizen participation in policymaking.

Analysts describe the July National Charter as potentially the most consequential political document since the 1972 Constitution, marking a new attempt to redefine the relationship between citizens and the state.

However, the path to implementation remains uncertain amid divisions among political parties and continuing unrest among groups seeking recognition and justice for the victims of the uprising.

There is finally forged an agreement on adoption of the charter by referendum analogous with the polls set for next February, with a difference from Jamaat and the NCP who want the yes-no vote ahead of the national elections.

Elaborating on his government's election plan for democratic transition, Dr Muhammad Yunus said the upcoming national elections must be held in a festive and historic spirit -- one that will be remembered as an example for both the nation and the world.

"We must make the election a celebration -- a memorable event in history. It should stand as an example for our nation and for the world," he told the function.

"When we spoke about the election, we did so in the same spirit we have expressed here today -- the spirit of unity. In that same spirit, we will move toward the election. The polls will be held in February, and we must preserve this unity."

He urges political leaders to maintain consensus not only in politics but also in the conduct of the election itself.

"There must be unity in politics and unity about the election," he said. "You, the political leaders from different parties, must sit together and make the process easier -- how the election will be conducted. If it is held carelessly, we will fall back into the same old patterns. What will be the point then?"

Dr Yunus maintains that agreements and commitments would mean little unless reflected in practice.

"What is the use of making promises if we do not act on them? My request to you all is this -- build consensus, form commissions or committees if needed, but sit together and ensure that the election is beautiful, festive, and worthy of being remembered in history."

He went on to stress that the election should be an example of Bangladesh's own democratic capability.

"Why should the police have to push people around?" he asked. "We will hold our own election, ourselves. No one needs to come and straighten us out or show us the way. We don't need any interference. Don't we know how to conduct a fair and beautiful election? Let this election be an example -- an example for the nation, and an example for the world. God willing, we can do it. Today we have set a sign of that possibility, and we will move forward holding onto it."

Dr Yunus concluded on a note hope that future elections in Bangladesh would be conducted with the same dignity and unity.

"In the future, may political parties hold elections in such a beautiful manner that we can take pride in them. Let no one in the world have the chance to say, 'You didn't do this right'. So, please, pray for us -- let us all work together to make this election a success in every sense."

mirmostafiz@yahoo.com