Yunus optimistic about finalising ‘July Charter’ through broader consensus

PARBATTA NEWS DESK

Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus on Monday expressed optimism about finalising a comprehensive ‘July Charter’ through broader consensus among political parties, as more issues move closer to agreement.

“I hope you will enter into the chapter and we will be able to present an excellent July Charter,” he said while inaugurating the second round of dialogue of the National Consensus Commission at the Foreign Service Academy in Dhaka.

Leaders of various political parties and stakeholders involved in the reform process – including representatives from the BNP, Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami, and the National Citizen Party (NCP) – took part in the discussions.

Prof Yunus said he was inspired by the process of working together toward the country’s future. “It thrills me to be involved in such a process where all are working together to write a real future of the country.”

He said the July Charter would be more meaningful and nationally unifying if additional issues could be included based on consensus. “The July Charter will look better, and as a nation, we will feel proud if more issues are added.”

The Chief Adviser underscored that the aim of the initiative is national welfare and inclusive development. “We are here to work for the betterment of the country and for its further development coming together.”

“Finally we will prepare the July Charter. It is our aim,” he added during his opening remarks.

Prof Yunus said the interim government had been entrusted with the task of carrying out reforms, and a total of 12 reform commissions were formed in two phases.

He outlined the process by which the reform commissions submitted their reports, which eventually led to the formation of the National Consensus Commission.

“I feel very delighted when I get the opportunity to sit together with you (political leaders),” he said.

In his closing remarks, the Chief Adviser emphasised maintaining and strengthening national unity to enrich the final draft of the July Charter. “This dialogue will continue as part of the national agenda, and more meetings will be held. I have listened to your valuable suggestions with due attention.”

Prof Yunus expressed hope that through stronger unity, the nation would find its desired direction.

Vice Chairman of the National Consensus Commission Prof Ali Riaz and other commission members were present at the session.

The Commission held talks with 33 parties and alliances – including the BNP, Jamaat-e-Islami, and NCP – before concluding the first round of dialogue on 19 May.

Formed on 15 February 2025 under the leadership of Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus, the Commission was tasked with formulating a unified national stance on key reform issues.

The political parties are reportedly nearing consensus on several major reform proposals, including the restoration of the caretaker government system, introduction of a bicameral parliament, and reservation of 100 parliamentary seats for women.

On 26 May, Prof Ali Riaz briefed the media on the Commission’s progress. “There is no disagreement among the political parties over restoration of the caretaker government,” he said.

Following earlier discussions, parties including the BNP, Jamaat, and NCP submitted their formal reform proposals to the Commission in written form.

The National Consensus Commission aims to reach an agreement by mid-July and produce a national charter for state reform.