'July Charter' to be finalised soon: Ali Riaz
Ali Riaz stated, “A final draft will be sent to the parties for a conclusive review”
National Consensus Commission (NCC) Vice-Chairman Professor Ali Riaz has announced that the "July Charter," a document outlining key reforms, is set to be finalised in the coming days.
He announced the development during a press conference at the Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban this (8 August) morning.
Ali Riaz stated, "A draft of the charter was sent to the concerned political parties for their feedback on 28 July. After incorporating their suggestions, a final draft will be sent to the parties for a conclusive review."
Keep updated, follow The Business Standard's Google news channel
The NCC vice chairman added that the commission will hold discussions with experts next week to outline the implementation process before a final decision is made in consensus with the political parties.
"The signed charter will be a binding document, ensuring the implementation of reforms based on the consensus reached with political parties," said Riaz.
He noted that while there were significant differences of opinion in the first round of the dialogue, key political parties have since shown flexibility, allowing for consensus on many issues.
"In the first phase of dialogue, out of 165 proposals, consensus was reached on 62 reform proposals.," Ali Riaz said, adding that some of which have already been implemented by the interim government through ordinances, policies, and executive decisions.
He mentioned that to ensure a balance of power, the Constitution Reform Commission had put forward a number of specific proposals, on some of which consensus has been reached.
"The commission believes that having opposition representatives chair in several important parliamentary committees will ensure a kind of check and balance on the powers of the executive branch," he said, mentioning, "In addition, there is also consensus on limiting the prime minister's tenure to 10 years," he said.
Ali Riaz further noted that most political parties are in favour of the prime minister not simultaneously serving as the party chief, which, if implemented, would prevent the concentration of power.
He added that preventing centralisation of power cannot be achieved solely through constitutional measures; rather, this has created a major opportunity to bring about change in Bangladesh's politics.
Speaking about the influence of members of parliament over local governance, Prof Riaz said there is also a court ruling on the matter. "The way MPs are involved in local-level activities is not how it is supposed to be," he said.
Among the 62 points on which consensus has been reached in initial discussions with political parties, there is a specific proposal to curb the influence of MPs in the local government system, the NCC vice-chairman mentioned.
Regarding some political parties' calls for holding the next election based on the charter, Ali Riaz said the commission is not involved in the election process.
"The commission has proposed drafting July Charter through consensus with political parties. To implement this charter, it will hold discussions in phases with experts and political parties. This discussion period will not be long-term," he added.
Earlier on 31 July, the NCC concluded its second-round dialogues with some 30 political parties and alliances.
According to a 3 August press release, the commission stated that it will continue discussions with political parties and experts to explore ways to implement the reform proposals agreed upon during the first and second round of the reform talks.
The decision came from a meeting of the commission held at the Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban that day.
"The meeting reviewed the issues on which consensus had been established in the first and second phases of discussions with political parties. It was decided that the commission will in phases discuss the proposals or recommendations with experts and, in that order, with political parties and alliances," said the release.
Most political parties and alliances have already provided their opinions on the initial draft of the 'July National Charter 2025' sent by the commission.
