Prof Ali Riaz: Finalisation of July Charter expected within 2–3 days

National Consensus Commission Vice-Chairman Professor Ali Riaz today said the commission is on the verge of finalising the historic July Charter within the next two to three days, following continuous discussions with political parties.

He made the statement while speaking at the outset of the 20th day of the second phase of the commission’s dialogue with political parties, held at the Foreign Service Academy in Dhaka.

“With your cooperation, we are hopeful that we will reach the final stage of the charter within the next two to three days,” Prof Riaz said, noting that the draft has gone through repeated revisions to build consensus on key issues.

“So far, we’ve reached agreement on 12 points. While there are dissenting notes on two issues, I believe a consensus is still possible, as all parties are showing a willingness to compromise,” he added.

Prof Riaz stressed the importance of resolving these issues, which he described as critical for overhauling the country’s state structure. Citing the caretaker government system as one such contentious issue, he said the nation needs a clear framework to prevent future crises.

“That’s why your views are being incorporated through continuous dialogue, and amendments are being made as needed,” he told party representatives, urging them to maintain this collaborative spirit over the next few days.

“Our goal is to include essential reforms in the National Charter, present it to the nation, and sign it collectively—creating a historic document that will outline the roadmap for Bangladesh’s future,” Prof Riaz said.

He acknowledged that not every issue can be included in the charter but reaffirmed the commission's commitment to focusing on the most crucial elements for meaningful state reform.

He expressed hope that future public representatives and political actors would seriously consider the issues being outlined by the commission.

During today’s meeting, the commission was expected to circulate a draft version of the July Charter among the political parties.

Key agenda items included mechanisms for appointing the heads of the Public Service Commission, the Anti-Corruption Commission, the Auditor General’s office, and the Ombudsman, as well as ensuring women’s representation in parliament.

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

Also present were Commission members Justice Emdadul Haque, Dr Badiul Alam Majumder, Dr Md Ayub Mia, Dr Iftekharuzzaman, Safar Raj Hossain, and Monir Haider, Special Assistant to the Chief Adviser.