The National Consensus Commission on Monday released the draft of the July National Charter 2025 and sent it to political parties for review.
The charter is based on months of dialogue among parties, alliances, and civic groups, aimed at restructuring the state. The document comes in the aftermath of the student-led uprising of July-August 2024 that resulted in the ouster of the Awami League-led autocratic regime.
Vice Chairman of the National Consensus Commission Ali Riaz shared this information during a press briefing after the commission’s meeting at the Foreign Service Academy on Monday.
He stated, “Based on the feedback from political parties, the charter will move toward finalisation and signing.”
According to the charter, participants in the dialogues reached a consensus on the points mentioned below:
- Background: The democratic ideals of the 1971 Liberation War – equality, dignity, and justice – remain unfulfilled after 53 years. Democratic institutions remained weak and often symbolic due to systemic partisan control and abuse of power.
Since 2009, the Awami League-led government turned increasingly autocratic, engaging in enforced disappearances, repression, and the politicization of state organs. Widespread corruption and constitutional distortions further weakened governance.
The July–August 2024 anti-discrimination movement, led by students and joined by the masses, overthrew the regime. Over 1,400 unarmed citizens, including women and children, were killed and 20,000 plus injured. Their sacrifice paved the way for a renewed push to rebuild the democratic state.
- Formation of reform commissions: On August 8, 2024, the interim government-initiated state reform under Article 106 of the Constitution. On October 7, six reform commissions were formed: Constitution, Election System, Judiciary, Public Administration, Police, and Anti-Corruption. All commissions submitted recommendations by January 31, 2025.
- Formation of the National Consensus Commission (NCC): Formed on February 12, 2025, with Dr. Yunus as chair and leaders of the six commissions, tasked with consulting political groups and building consensus on proposed reforms, mandated to operate for six months. The NCC decided to draft the “July National Charter 2025” as a product of the reform dialogue.
- Activities of the Commission” Work began on February 15, 2025.Printed copies of all six reports were shared with political parties by February 28. On March 5, a spreadsheet of 166 key reform recommendations (excluding police, which are administrative) was sent to 38 parties for feedback.
A total of 35 parties submitted responses, many with in-depth analysis. Between March 20 and May 19, the NCC held 44 meetings with 32 political groups—some multiple times.
Based on discussions on 20 key areas, the “July National Charter 2025” was drafted.
- Reform details pending: Specific consensus points under discussion in the second phase will be added to the charter later.