CA to get today NCC suggestions on July Charter execution

Long-awaited recommendations on modus operandi of implementation of the July National Charter-a reform blueprint born out of last year's historic people's uprising-will be submitted to the government today as the consensus panel wrapped up its dos Monday.

Implementation of the much-hyped charter of state reforms reportedly hinges on two means: a constitutional order or a referendum-or both in sync.

The National Consensus Commission report's formal handover takes place at 12noon Tuesday at the state-guesthouse Jamuna in the presence of members of the Advisory Council, said a spokesman for the CA after the final meeting of the Commission.

Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus, also chairman of the NCC, chaired the meeting, which concluded with thanksgiving by the head of post-uprising government.

Present among others were Commission Vice-chairman Professor Ali Riaz, members Justice Md. Emdadul Haque, Dr Iftekharuzzaman, Dr Badiul Alam Majumdar, and Dr Md. Ayub Miah, and Chief Adviser's Special Assistant Monir Haidar.

While wrapping up the meeting proceedings, Professor Yunus underscored the importance of preserving all records, documents and media materials related to the Commission's work-from its inception to its final dos in the recommendations.

"These are invaluable national assets," said the head of interim government. "As a nation, we must document the context and process through which we reached our decisions. Every meeting, every exchange of letters, every televised discussion-all must be systematically preserved and made accessible," he said.

"These are living documents of history. Future generations, researchers, and policymakers will draw lessons from them. The story of our democratic rebirth must not fade with time."

Expressing gratitude to political parties, civil servants, researchers, and journalists who supported the process, the Nobel laureate praised the Commission's role in guiding Bangladesh toward a more accountable state structure.

Commission Vice-chair Professor Ali Riaz described the initiative as "a foundational step in building a permanent, accountable state in Bangladesh".

"The recommendations on implementing the July National Charter were finalised after extensive discussions with political parties, jurists, academics, and members of civil society," he said in his valedictory remarks on what they have done over the months following the 2024 student-mass uprising that brought about a regime change.

He notes that one of the core mandates of the interim government formed after the July 2024 People's Uprising was structural reform-alongside justice and elections.

"Despite differences, there was a shared desire among political parties for genuine reform," Riaz said. "They showed patience, commitment, and cooperation throughout the dialogue process. The Commission has now completed its task, but as citizens, we remain ready to assist the government, if needed."

Dr Badiul Alam Majumdar, the head of Election Reform Commission and a member of the Consensus Commission, urges the government to show "focus and courage" in implementing the July Charter.

"Too many lives were lost in the uprising. We owe it to those who made the ultimate sacrifice to ensure that the reforms are not lost to inertia," the civil-rights campaigner said in an emotion-choked voice

Justice Md. Emdadul Haque reflected that the spirit of unity among political forces during the uprising was also evident in the Commission's deliberations: "That same sincerity must continue into implementation."

Meanwhile, Dr Iftekharuzzaman, chair of the Anti-Corruption Reform Commission and a member of the Consensus Commission, called for simultaneous and bold reform of the Anti-Corruption Commission alongside implementation of the July Charter.

With its mandate expiring on October 31, the Commission's work marks the culmination of months of nationwide consultations-an exercise many have hailed as Bangladesh's most inclusive political dialogue in decades.

mirmostafiz@yahoo.com