The National Consensus Commission (NCC) will formally submit its recommendations on the implementation of “July National Charter” to the government on Tuesday. The submission will take place at the state guesthouse Jamuna in the presence of Advisory Council members.
On Monday afternoon, the NCC held its final meeting at Jamuna with Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus in the chair.
NCC Vice-Chairman Professor Ali Riaz and members Justice Md Emdadul Haque, Dr Iftekharuzzaman, Dr Badiul Alam Majumdar, Dr Md Ayub Miah, and Chief Adviser’s Special Assistant Monir Haidar were present, among others.
At the concluding meeting, Yunus emphasised preserving all documents, discussions, videos, audio recordings, and photographs from the commission’s work since its inception.
“These are invaluable assets,” he said. “As a nation, we must ensure that future generations can see the context, process, and reasoning behind our decisions. Every photo, letter, and live discussion should be archived and categorized properly. These records will serve as living documents of history for researchers and citizens alike.”
The chief adviser also expressed his gratitude to political parties, commission officials, researchers, and journalists for their contributions throughout the process.
During the meeting, NCC members finalised the framework for implementing the July Charter and urged the government to act on the recommendations made by other reform commissions as well.
“The NCC has worked to lay the foundation for a permanent culture of accountability in Bangladesh,” said Prof Ali Riaz.
“Our recommendations are based on extensive dialogue with political leaders, legal experts, judges, academics, and civil society representatives,” he added.
“The interim government formed after the July 2024 mass uprising had three core mandates – justice, reform, and elections. The commission’s main responsibility was to design a reform roadmap. Despite differing views, all political parties showed a genuine willingness to engage and cooperate.”
Ali Riaz further said, “The people’s uprising of July 2024 gave us a rare opportunity for change. We must not lose it. The commission has prioritized reforms to ensure citizens can witness meaningful transformation. Our tenure ends on October 31, but as citizens, we will continue to offer our support whenever needed.”
Election Reform Commission Chief and NCC Member Dr Badiul Alam Majumdar said, “We expect the government to show dedication and courage in implementing the July Charter. Many lives were lost and many injured during the uprising – this sacrifice must not go in vain.”
Justice Md Emdadul Haque noted that “the spirit of unity among political parties during the uprising was reflected in the commission’s meetings as well – a very positive sign.”
Safar Raj, head of Police Reform Commission, observed, “For the first time, political parties sat together and engaged in patient, constructive dialogue. We hope this spirit of goodwill continues in the future.”
Dr Iftekharuzzaman, chief of the Anti-Corruption Commission reform, urged the government to take strong action to reform the ACC alongside implementing the July Charter.
Chief Adviser’s Special Assistant Monir Haidar said, “Every martyr’s family we spoke to told us that unless reforms are ensured, their loved ones’ sacrifices will feel meaningless. The July martyrs are the true foundation of this effort.”
