July Charter draft nears completion with consensus on 82 reforms, BNP dissent on 8 points
Although formal discussions have concluded, no final decision has been reached on how the charter will be implemented
The National Consensus Commission and political parties have reached agreement on 82 reform issues regarding the July Charter across two phases of dialogue, with BNP submitting a note of dissent on eight points and leftist parties opposing changes to the fundamental principles of the constitution.
At the end of the second phase of the talks, the commission also informed that a draft of the July National Charter 2025, which will document the reform decisions and party commitments, is expected to be shared with political parties within days.
"We will try to swiftly prepare and hand over the final charter to you. A plan for a signing ceremony will also be made based on this," said National Consensus Commission Vice Chair Professor Ali Riaz.
He also said that the charter will be divided into two sections, one outlining areas of consensus and the other detailing commitments made by the parties.
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Although formal discussions have concluded, no final decision has been reached on how the charter will be implemented. The commission's tenure runs until 15 August.
Addressing the question of implementation, he said, "A question has arisen: what will be the path for political parties to implement the July Charter? These will also be discussed in various ways. The National Consensus Commission has been requested by the parties to continue those discussions."
The topics finalised in second phase
Following 23 days of talks in the second phase, consensus was reached on 11 issues.
These include nominating four parliamentary standing committee chairs from the opposition, forming a constituency delimitation committee, amending the president's power to grant pardons, and structurally decentralising the judiciary.
An agreement was also reached on using referendums to amend certain constitutional articles, including those related to the preamble, fundamental principles, and the caretaker government system.
No party objected to proposals on forming a selection committee for election commissioner appointments or limiting the prime minister's tenure to a maximum of 10 years.
Parties also supported electing the president through a secret ballot, expanding fundamental citizen rights, regulating the declaration of states of emergency, and forming an independent Police Commission.
However, nine issues were adopted with notes of dissent.
These included amending Article 70 of the Constitution, the election method for women's parliamentary representation, the appointment of the chief justice, and whether the prime minister can hold multiple posts.
Other points of dissent included constitutional provisions for appointing the Public Service Commission and Anti Corruption Commission employees, comptroller and auditor general, and ombudsman; upper house elections via proportional representation; the president's powers and responsibilities; and appointment of the chief adviser to a caretaker government.
The BNP specifically opposed proposals 8, 9, 11, and 12 in the consolidated draft.
President's appointment powers redefined
Currently, the president must consult with the prime minister on all matters except appointing the prime minister and chief justice.
The commission initially proposed extending the president's direct authority to include appointments such as heads of the armed forces and intelligence agencies.
After discussions, the final recommendation was that the president can appoint, without consulting the prime minister, the chair and members of the National Human Rights Commission, Information Commission, Bangladesh Press Council, Law Commission, University Grants Commission, Energy Regulatory Commission, and the governor of Bangladesh Bank.
The BNP and some other parties objected to the president's sole authority over appointments to the Energy Regulatory Commission and the Bangladesh Bank governorship.
Implementation pathway under discussion
Although consensus commission discussions have ended, parties remain divided on how to implement the charter.
Jamaat-e-Islami and the National Citizen Party (NCP) have taken positions differing from the BNP on this issue.
"If necessary, the consensus commission will hold discussions with political parties to determine how the charter will be implemented," said Professor Ali Riaz.
"We believe that the political parties will be able to create a path for implementing the issues on which they have agreed. In this, the National Consensus Commission will act as a facilitator, both formally and informally," he said.
He added that any reform process requires clearly defined pathways, and political parties have shown interest and sincerity.
A press conference will soon be held to detail the implementation strategy and outline coordination plans with relevant stakeholders.
BNP reaffirms commitment to implement July Charter
BNP Standing Committee member Salahuddin Ahmed has said all political parties engaged in the national reform dialogue are committed to implementing the July National Charter 2025, calling it an expression of the people's sovereign will.
"We are committing to implement this charter based on the sovereign prerogative of the people. We are pledging it, we are committed. There is no greater national consent than this. It is above the law. It is the will of the people," Salahuddin told journalists at the end of the consensus commission's final discussion session.
He said the charter includes a provision to implement the agreed reforms within two years of a new government taking office.
"We completely agree with this. They said that to fulfil these commitments, changes would be needed in the constitution and various laws. We have made those promises," he said.
Salahuddin said that once signed, the charter would become a binding moral and political commitment for all signatory parties.
"All political parties will sign this charter. This is a national consensus. It is the sovereign will of the people. It is greater than any law; it is a form of 'legitimate expectation of the people'," he added.
He dismissed concerns about potential backtracking, stating, "There is no political party here that would deceive the nation. After all this, which party would dare not to abide by it? There can be no greater document than this."
Jamaat and NCP demand legal framework for charter
Jamaat-e-Islami and NCP have strongly demanded a legal framework for the charter's enforcement.
Jamaat warned that without legal grounding, it would consider taking legal action.
Jamaat's Nayeb-e-Ameer, Syed Abdullah Mohammad Taher, said, "BNP says the charter has no legal basis. But Jamaat believes implementation cannot depend solely on promises. If it lacks a legal basis, the charter will become meaningless. For that reason, we will file a compensation lawsuit against the commission and the government."
Jamaat also argued that the charter could be granted legitimacy through a Legal Framework Order ahead of elections, followed by a constitutional proclamation and later ratification by Parliament—similar to past transitions under Ziaur Rahman and HM Ershad.
NCP Member Secretary Akhtar Hossain also noted similar concerns, stating, "The process of implementing the July Charter is still unclear. If it is meant to be implemented within two years after the election, we will reject it. It must be done quickly."
He warned that without legal backing, the document risked becoming "merely a historical record," and said NCP would not sign under those terms. "Stating that the next government will recognise it is nothing but a deception."
He added that a legally binding proclamation with constitutional validity must be issued through consensus, and said, "If the government is sincere and others cooperate, this can be done by July 36."
