Consensus Commission Sends Final Edition of July Charter to Political Parties

The National Consensus Commission said that it sent the final version of the much-awaited July National Charter 2025 to 33 political parties and alliances of the country on Tuesday evening. 

The commission, in a letter signed by its Vice-Chairman Ali Riaz, further stated that the copy of the charter was officially published at the same time.

It was learnt that the charter did not include any implementation roadmap and the commission will submit its recommendations on implementing the July Charter after its signing on Friday (October 17). 

The 40-page document outlines the political history of Bangladesh, covering the British colonial period, the historic Language Movement of 1952, the education movements of 1962, the autonomy movement of 1966, and the mass uprising of 1969. 

It also recalls the 1970 general elections, the Liberation War of 1971, and the establishment of a one-party state through constitutional amendments in 1975.

The charter noted that "following various political developments, the country returned to democracy through the parliamentary elections of 1979, initiated by the reintroduction of a multi-party system in 1978. However, that democratic path was short-lived."

It further highlights that between 2009 and 2024, state institutions were dominated by autocratic practices favoring certain individuals, families, and groups. 

The charter criticized the three consecutive controversial elections of 2014, 2018, and 2024, stating that they undermined the electoral system, politicized the judiciary, law enforcement and public administration and facilitated corruption.

The charter also reflects on the persistent democratic movements of the last 16 years, including the road safety movement in 2018, the anti-quota movement, the student-led anti-discrimination movement and culminating in the broad-based mass uprising against fascism in July 2024.

Finally, the charter contains a seven-point commitment, urging political party representatives to sign it and uphold the will of the people expressed in the July 2024 uprising, grounded in democratic principles and national consensus.