Vice-Chairman of the National Consensus Commission (NCC) Professor Dr Ali Riaz on Tuesday reiterated that the political parties and the Commission must finalise all agreed points of reform within July to prepare the final version of the national charter popularly known as July charter.
Speaking to reporters at the Foreign Service Academy in Dhaka ahead of the 21st day of the ongoing second phase of dialogue, Dr Riaz said the finalisation process cannot be delayed beyond July 31.
“A draft has already been prepared,” he said. “A preliminary version reflecting the consensus points will be shared today or tomorrow. The final version must be completed by July 31 based on what is agreed upon.”
He added that the Commission is keen to conclude the dialogue within this month’s deadline. “By July 31, we must finalise the Charter—at least for those issues on which consensus has been achieved—and include them clearly in the document.”
The July draft has already been circulated among political parties, and the Commission is awaiting feedback until Wednesday. “We hope to incorporate the comments and deliver the revised draft to the political parties within the next two days,” said Riaz.
On the issue of a future caretaker government, Dr Riaz said multiple parties had submitted fresh proposals. “We are trying to consolidate those proposals into a single document. Each party has its own position, and we’re working to move forward while taking all views into account.”
Tuesday’s meeting focused on a consolidated proposal on the caretaker government, new ideas on women’s parliamentary representation, and constitutional roles for the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) and the Ombudsman. Discussions also covered the state’s fundamental principles, the proposal for a bicameral parliamentary system, presidential election mechanisms, the powers of the president, and expanded fundamental rights for citizens.
The session was attended by representatives from 30 political parties and coalitions, including the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), Jamaat-e-Islami, and National Citizen Party (NCP). Chief Adviser’s Special Assistant Monir Haider moderated the session. Commission members Soffor Raj Hossain, Justice Emdadul Haque, Dr Badiul Alam Majumdar, Dr Iftekharuzzaman, and Dr Ayub Miah were also present.
The National Consensus Commission was established earlier this year by the interim government led by Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus to facilitate dialogue among political forces and civil society groups. Its mandate includes formulating a new national charter by incorporating broad-based political reforms, aiming to prevent future political stalemates and promote inclusive governance.