National Citizen Party (NCP) Convener Nahid Islam has called for the interim government’s accountability regarding its failure to fulfill its promise of publishing the “July Charter”, despite being given two deadlines.
In a Facebook post on Monday afternoon, Nahid – one of the coordinators of the quota reform and anti-discrimination student movement – expressed his frustration: “The government set two deadlines but failed to keep its promise. We demand an explanation – why wasn’t it done, and what obstacles were faced?”
He emphasised that the July Charter represents the historical context of the July student-mass uprising, serving as a national document to honour the sacrifices of martyrs, the wounded, and leaders while ensuring political security and defining the aspirations of July.
“This charter should later gain legal and constitutional recognition,” he added.
Nahid, a former adviser to the interim government, recalled that student leaders had initially intended to release the charter on December 31, but the government insisted on holding discussions with all political parties before an official announcement. “The student leadership then stepped back, allowing the government to take the lead,” he added.
He revealed that the government had requested draft charters from different factions, including the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement, which submitted one. “The plan was to consolidate all drafts into a common document, to be jointly announced and celebrated by all parties. Yet, the government missed both deadlines without clarification.”
As convener of NCP, a party formed by July uprising student leaders, Nahid demanded government accountability for the delay and state-sponsored issuance of the charter, with a constitutional commitment for its future inclusion.
“If the government takes no initiative, we won’t stay silent. We will publish our own charter and urge all factions to do the same. If we can collectively draft a document, the government will be compelled to accept it. The July Charter must be read by the martyrs’ families,” he said.
Nahid clarified that the July Charter would outline fundamental state reforms, identifying constitutional amendments requiring political consensus. “All parties must sign it, but the implementation method – whether through referendum, constituent assembly, or parliamentary amendment – remains undecided.”
He stressed that any future elected government must adhere to the charter’s reform agenda.
Nahid believes the July Charter and Declaration can be finalised between July and August. “If any faction disrupts consensus for partisan interests, the government must proceed without fear, collaborating with other stakeholders and the public,” he said.
He warned that the government loses legitimacy in organising July commemorations if it fails to deliver these documents, saying, “We firmly demand the July Declaration and Charter be finalised by August 5 (36th of July). All parties must compromise and assist the government.”
Concluding his post, Nahid announced: “Our march begins tomorrow. Join the July March to rebuild the nation. We’ll meet you on the streets.”