Parties can still sign July National Charter after tomorrow: Ali Riaz
“We hope all parties will sign the July charter. This is part of the democratic process, and every party has been invited," he says
Political parties will still have the opportunity to sign the July National Charter even after the official ceremony scheduled for tomorrow, National Consensus Commission Vice-President Ali Riaz said today (16 October).
Speaking at a press conference at the LD Hall of the Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban, Ali Riaz said, "We hope all parties will sign the July charter. This is part of the democratic process, and every party has been invited.
"If all signatures are not collected by tomorrow, those willing to sign later will still be able to join the process as partners."
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He added, "We want the signing ceremony to take place in a festive atmosphere. This achievement has come at the cost of many lives."
Ali Riaz further said, "The commission will place a clear, specific and comprehensive recommendation before the government for the implementation of the charter within its extended tenure that ends on October 31 next.
"We will submit full report to the government within this tenure, which will comprehensively outline the entire process. The report, comprising around 3,000 pages arranged in eight volumes, will be submitted before the end of our tenure," he said.
Regarding the National Citizen Party's (NCP) conditional stance on signing, Ali Riaz said the commission had reviewed their concerns. "The NCP played a leading role in the July Uprising and contributed significantly to the preparation of the charter. We believe they will eventually sign and play a key role in its implementation," he said.
On the four left parties' announcement not to sign, he said, "They were part of the discussions and have submitted notes of dissent, as have others. But I believe they will reconsider their position and eventually sign."
In response to questions about the charter's validity if some parties abstain, Ali Riaz said the entire dialogue process was transparent and broadcast live for the nation to witness. "We have advanced in a way that allowed all parties to publicly express their positions before the nation."
Cultural Affairs Adviser Mostofa Sarwar Farooki, who was also present at the conference, said, "Our real work will begin after the signing of the charter. It will be taken to every corner of the country so that people understand how the charter will shape our nation's future."
The chief adviser and also head of the commission, along with political parties, will sign the charter tomorrow, which is a document of political agreement for state reform. An audio-visual presentation will be screened at the event.
Earlier on Wednesday, the chief adviser expressed optimism that the signing ceremony of the 'July National Charter 2025' will become an occasion of celebration for the whole nation.
"You have made it possible which appeared to be impossible. We will join the ceremony on Friday in a festive mood and sign it. This is our hope and we will spread it to the whole nation," he said.
The commission on 14 October last sent the final version of the July charter, containing 84 major reform recommendations and a seven-point commitment proposal for its implementation, to the political parties.
The commission earlier sought names of two representatives from each of 33 political parties and alliances to sign the charter prepared in a bid to reform the State Structure and its key institutions following the 2024 July Mass Uprising that ousted Sheikh Hasina's regime.
