National Consensus Commission revises 5th clause of July Charter following protests

The National Consensus Commission has amended the fifth clause of the pledge section of the July National Charter 2025, incorporating key demands voiced by “July fighters” during recent demonstrations.

“The fifth clause of the Charter’s pledge has been revised to reflect the demands of July fighters following discussions with them and consultations with political parties,” said Professor Ali Riaz, vice chair of the Commission, while addressing protesters at the South Plaza of the Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban on Friday.

Commission members Justice Md Emdadul Haque, Iftekharuzzaman, Badiul Alam Majumdar, Md Ayub Mia, and the Chief Adviser’s Special Assistant Monir Haider were also present.

Reading out the revised text, Riaz stated that the clause now says:

“We will ensure justice for those subjected to enforced disappearances, killings, and torture during the 16-year struggle against Awami fascism before the mass uprising, and for all killings carried out by the fascist Awami League and some members of its allied law enforcement agencies during the July–August 2024 mass uprising. We will honor the martyrs with state recognition, confer state hero status on July fighters, and provide appropriate support — including monthly allowances, proper medical treatment, rehabilitation, legal immunity, and protection of the basic rights and security of martyr families and injured fighters.”

Riaz added that the Commission will submit the revised pledge to the government along with “clear and specific” implementation recommendations, emphasizing that “there is no difference of opinion between political parties and the Commission on this issue.”

The amendment followed a clash between police and demonstrators who had gathered at the venue of the signing ceremony. The protesters — identifying themselves as July Martyrs’ Families and Injured Fighters — had stayed overnight at the parliament complex, demanding state recognition, legal protection, and rehabilitation. Several people were injured during the dispersal.

Earlier in the day, BNP standing committee member Salahuddin Ahmed had also urged a revision of the clause in a Facebook post, arguing that the original language did not accurately reflect the spirit of the July uprising.

The official signing of the July National Charter is scheduled for Friday afternoon, with several major political parties expected to participate.