Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus has announced that the ‘July Charter’, a landmark framework for national reform, has reached the final stages of completion, marking a significant milestone in Bangladesh’s democratic transition.
In a national address on Tuesday, Professor Yunus said that the country had made substantial progress toward achieving its reform goals through inclusive dialogue.
“The July Charter has reached the finalisation stage, following sustained discussions with political parties across the spectrum under the guidance of the National Consensus Commission,” he said.
The Chief Adviser explained that the Commission was established with the aim of delivering long-term institutional and political reforms. Over 30 political parties and alliances voluntarily participated in the process, contributing their views and recommendations.
In the first phase, the Commission held group and alliance-level discussions over two months on 166 proposed reform recommendations. From these, 19 core reform issues were identified based on areas of broad agreement, while contentious matters were set aside.
In the second phase, 23 days of intensive negotiations led to consensus on the majority of the 19 issues, although some parties registered dissenting notes on specific points.
Professor Yunus described the July Charter as a historic achievement, not only for Bangladesh but with potential significance for democratic transitions worldwide.
“This document will be remembered not only for its content, but also for the spirit of dialogue and compromise that shaped it,” he said. “The process itself is as historic as the outcome.”
He expressed deep gratitude to the leaders of all participating political parties and to the members of the Consensus Commission, particularly Professor Ali Riaz, who led the initiative.
“The discussions were held in a cordial and constructive atmosphere,” Yunus said. “Despite differences, there was a genuine effort by all parties to build consensus. We now hope that, on this foundation, the political parties will soon formally sign the July Charter and commit to its implementation.”