Consensus Commission engages political parties in talks to finalise July Charter

The National Consensus Commission is holding its ninth day of second-phase dialogue today with political parties, aiming to build consensus on key state reform issues and draft the upcoming ‘July Charter’.

The meeting began at 11 am at the Foreign Service Academy in Dhaka, chaired by Commission Vice-Chairman Prof Dr Ali Riaz.

Commission members Justice Emdadul Haque, Dr Badiul Alam Majumder, Dr Md Ayub Mia, Dr Iftekharuzzaman, Safar Raj Hossain, and Chief Adviser’s Special Assistant Monir Haider are attending the session.

Representatives from 30 political parties are participating, including the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami, Jatiya Nagorik Party (NCP), Gono Odhikar Parishad, Gana Sanghati, Communist Party of Bangladesh (CPB), Biplobi Workers Party, and Amar Bangladesh (AB) Party.

According to Commission sources, today’s discussions are expected to cover three core issues: decentralisation of the judiciary, the use of presidential clemency, and protocols for declaring a state of emergency—alongside deliberations on previously unresolved matters.

In his opening remarks, Prof Ali Riaz urged participants to reflect on the journey that brought them to this historic juncture and the sacrifices made along the way. “The sacrifices of hundreds must guide us,” he said.

He emphasised the uniqueness of the moment: “In 53 years, we haven’t had such a chance to reform the state. This opportunity, won through injustice, repression, and struggle, must not be squandered.”

At yesterday’s (Wednesday) eighth session, Prof Riaz noted the positive momentum in the discussions and expressed hope that the July Charter could be finalised by mid or late July if the pace continues.