Experts propose four mechanisms to implement July Charter: Ali Riaz

National Consensus Commission Vice-Chairman Prof Ali Riaz has said that a panel of legal experts has suggested four possible mechanisms to implement the July Charter -- through an ordinance, executive order, referendum, or a special constitutional order.

He said that for constitutional matters, the panel recommended either a referendum or a special constitutional order. Considering all aspects, the commission presented its advice to the parties.

"We can give multiple suggestions to the government, which can then act comparatively easily after reviewing legal and constitutional requirements," he said.

Riaz made the remarks during a discussion on expert recommendations, focusing on methods to implement the July Charter, this afternoon (17 September), on the third day of its third phase of dialogue, at the Foreign Service Academy in Dhaka.

The meeting was attended by representatives of 30 political parties, including BNP, Jamaat-e-Islami, National Citizen Party, Gono Odhikar Parishad, Ganosamhati Andolon, and the Communist Party of Bangladesh (CPB).

The session, chaired by the Chief Adviser's Special Assistant Monir Haider, was attended by commission members Justice Md Emadul Haque, Dr Iftekharuzzaman, and Dr Badiul Alam Majumdar.

The commission held a meeting with the experts last Sunday (14 September), where it was suggested that constitutional matters outlined in the July Charter could be implemented through a constitutional order under Article 22 of the July Declaration.

The panel of experts proposed that the interim government may enact a "Constitutional Order" under the authority of Article 22 of the July Declaration, incorporating the core reforms envisaged by the July Charter 2025. This order will take effect immediately.

The discussion began this afternoon (17 September) at the Foreign Service Academy in Dhaka, focusing on methods of executing the July Charter. Photo: TBS

The proposal also suggests that the Constitutional Order may thereafter be put to a referendum to be held on the same date as the next general election. Provisions for the referendum may also be included in the order.

If the order receives the assent of the people through a referendum, it would be deemed valid from the date of its enactment, suggests the proposal.

Who are the experts?

Last Sunday's extensive meeting -- on the methods and strategies for implementing the July Charter -- between the legal experts and the Consensus Commission had also taken place at the Foreign Service Academy.

The panel of experts included Justice MA Matin, a retired judge of the Appellate Division; Muhammad Ekramul Haque, dean of the Faculty of Law at Dhaka University; and Supreme Court senior advocates Dr Sharif Bhuiyan, Barrister Tanim Hussain Shawon, and Barrister Imran Siddiq.

The commission had briefed the experts on the discussions it had with political parties regarding the charter's implementation, as well as the recommendations previously received from political parties and experts on the method and approaches to implementation.

The commission had earlier engaged in comprehensive discussions with legal and constitutional experts on 7 September on the finalisation of the July National Charter 2025, as well as the methods and mechanisms for its effective implementation.

Commission aims to finalise July Charter implementation process before deadline

Addressing today's discussion, Prof Ali Riaz said the commission aims to finalise the July Charter's implementation process ahead of the extended one-month deadline.

The discussion began this afternoon (17 September) at the Foreign Service Academy in Dhaka, focusing on methods of executing the July Charter. Photo: TBS

"I don't think it will take a full month to decide. Expert advice has already been sought, and we hope to see the implementation soon," he said.

The government yesterday extended the tenure of the National Consensus Commission until 15 October.

Riaz said Chief Adviser (CA) Muhammad Yunus, serving as the commission chair, is fully aware of all matters and will attend the UN session on 21 September.

Before that, he added, the CA would be briefed on the progress of implementing the charter.

He said the commission has sent a final draft to political parties and the parties have suggested six approaches, including proposals for implementation through a referendum and leaving it to parliament, he added.

Riaz said the commission's expert panel has given a clear recommendation. "We categorised all the suggestions into six parts. Some matters can be implemented via ordinances or executive orders, and we have urged the government to take necessary steps swiftly."

Riaz also said political parties were asked to nominate two representatives each to sign the charter, and most parties have complied. 

"We hope the government will take the necessary legal measures in this regard," he added.