The National Consensus Commission has formally shared the final draft of the July National Charter 2025 with all major political parties, inviting their opinions and feedback on the proposed framework for national reform.
The draft was dispatched on Saturday, August 16, and includes references to key historical events such as the Peelkhana massacre, the Shapla Chattar massacre, and the 2018 quota reform movement, anchoring the charter in the collective memory of public struggle and sacrifice.
The document, described as a comprehensive blueprint for national transformation, outlines a sweeping agenda to restructure Bangladesh’s political, judicial, electoral, and administrative systems in the aftermath of the July–August 2024 mass uprising.
Key commitments in the draft charter
The draft contains eight core commitments, affirming the charter’s role as a new political settlement based on consensus and sacrifice:
Implementation of the Charter: The government will ensure full implementation of the July National Charter 2025 as a foundational document of the new political order—born out of a prolonged democratic struggle and the immense sacrifices made during the 2024 uprising.
Supremacy of the Charter: All political parties and alliances affirm that the charter represents the supreme will of the people. Its provisions will be incorporated into the Constitution, and in case of conflict with existing laws, the charter’s recommendations will prevail.
Judicial Interpretation: The Appellate Division of the Supreme Court will have the final authority to interpret any provision of the charter.
Legal Enforceability: Every recommendation in the charter will be constitutionally and legally binding, and its validity or authority cannot be challenged in any court.
Constitutional and Legal Reforms: The government will amend, revise, or rewrite the Constitution and existing laws as needed to implement the charter’s vision for the judiciary, electoral system, public administration, police, and anti-corruption mechanisms.
Constitutional Recognition of the Uprising: The historical significance of the 2024 mass uprising will be enshrined in the Constitution as a pivotal moment in the nation’s democratic journey.
Justice for the Fallen: The state will ensure prosecution of all killings during the uprising, grant state martyr status to the deceased, provide support to their families, and ensure treatment and rehabilitation for the injured.
Immediate Implementation: All recommendations deemed immediately actionable will be fully implemented before the next national elections.
A 27-page roadmap for national renewal
The 27-page draft charter proposes wide-ranging reforms across sectors:
Institutional Reforms:
Establishment of a Judicial Appointments Commission
Creation of an Electoral Reform Commission
Formation of a Green Development Commission
Special commissions to investigate past injustices, electoral fraud, and institutional failures
Youth and Education:
Expansion of civic education and youth leadership programmes
Introduction of inclusive curricula to promote critical thinking and national unity
Justice and Human Rights:
Strengthened legal protections for marginalised communities
Transparent processes for judicial appointments and law enforcement accountability
Environment and Economy:
Promotion of green technologies and sustainable urban planning
Economic commissions to tackle inequality and improve fiscal transparency
Electoral Integrity:
Introduction of proportional representation and ranked-choice voting
Guaranteed fair participation for women and minorities
Truth and Reconciliation:
Establishment of truth and reconciliation mechanisms
Official recognition of historical grievances
Governance Modernisation:
Digitisation of public services
Decentralisation of administrative power
Launch of open government platforms for citizen engagement
Officials describe the July National Charter 2025 as a “living document” – one that will evolve through public consultation, legislative review, and civil society input.
The Commission has called on academic institutions, civil society organisations, and international partners to contribute to its finalisation and implementation.
The release of the draft marks a pivotal moment in Bangladesh’s post-uprising transition, signalling a collective commitment to democracy, justice, transparency, and long-term national resilience.
Political parties now have three weeks to submit their feedback before the charter is finalised and presented to the interim government for formal adoption.