Polls date, July Charter to be finalised through nat’l consensus

Chief Adviser's Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam announced on Wednesday  that the interim government will finalise necessary reforms based on recommendations from six reform commissions, following discussions with various political parties and stakeholders involved in the July movement. 

These reforms will be determined through a process of national consensus, after which everyone involved will sign the July Charter. 

Once the charter is finalised, the date for the next national parliamentary election will also be officially set.

This clarification came during a press briefing held outside the state guesthouse Jamuna, where Shafiqul Alam responded to questions from media personnel.

Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus has established a National Consensus Commission comprising the heads of the six reform commissions. The commission is chaired by Prof Yunus himself, with Professor Ali Riaz serving as vice chairman. The other five commission heads are members of this body.

The primary role of the National Consensus Commission is to engage in dialogue with political parties, civil society organisations, and other relevant stakeholders regarding the recommendations put forth by the reform commissions. 

Through extensive consultations, the commission will determine which reforms need immediate implementation, which reforms can be postponed for future action, and whether certain reforms require constitutional amendments or can be addressed through administrative measures within existing ministries.

After thorough discussions, the participating political parties and representatives of civil society will collectively sign off on the agreed-upon reforms. This signed document will constitute the July Charter, which outlines the key changes required to ensure a fair, transparent, and democratic system in Bangladesh.

Shafiqul Alam explained that parts of the July Charter will be implemented by the interim government, while others will fall under the purview of the next elected administration. The timeline for implementing these reforms will dictate whether the upcoming national parliamentary election will take place in December 2025 or by June 2026.

Also present at the briefing were Deputy Press Secretary Abul Kalam Azad Majumder, Apurba Jahangir, and Senior Assistant Press Secretary Faiz Ahammed.