If any political party does not sign the July National Charter on Friday, they will have the opportunity to sign it later if they wish, according to National Consensus Commission Vice-Chairman Ali Riaz.
He said this in response to journalists’ questions at a press conference organised at the LD Hall of the National Parliament Building on Thursday evening regarding preparations for the “July National Charter 2025” signing ceremony.
Ali Riaz said, “It would be good if we can get all parties’ signatures tomorrow. However, if any party later expresses interest in signing, they can do so as they are participants and partners in the charter process. But the Commission hopes that all parties will sign together in a festive environment.”
Regarding the National Citizen Party (NCP) and its leaders’ statements, who are raising the issue of the legal basis for signing the charter, he said, “The NCP has played a pioneering role in this process. They led the popular uprising and have contributed to the charter process.”
Ali Riaz further informed that the Commission believes it is necessary to establish the legal foundation of the July Charter and the Commission will provide a comprehensive recommendation on this matter. He hopes that the NCP and all other political parties will participate in the charter signing ceremony and play a role in its implementation.
Furthermore, the Commission’s term has been extended until 31 October so that they can provide comprehensive recommendations for the charter’s implementation and effective steps can be taken to implement them.
Regarding the left parties’ announcement of not signing the charter, Ali Riaz said, “They had objections during the discussion time, and the Commission has noted them. However, we hope they will participate in the charter signing ceremony.”
At the press conference, Cultural Adviser Mustafa Sarwar Farooqi said, “If the July Charter is implemented, a major change will come in the political culture.”
He said, “Tomorrow at the signing ceremony, a video will be shown about the charter’s background and future effectiveness, and more work will be done on this in the next two months.”
Also present at the press conference were Police Reform Commission Chief Safar Raj Hossain, Election System Reform Commission Chief Badiul Alam Majumdar, Judiciary Reform Commission Chief Justice Emdadul Haque, and Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) Reform Commission Chief Iftekharuzzaman, among others.
