July Charter seems uncertain: Ali Riaz
He urged the parties to move beyond self-interest
Professor Ali Riaz, vice-chair of the Consensus Commission, expressed concern that lack of consensus has made the future of the July Charter uncertain.
He also noted that the commission has already shown flexibility on several key issues, including Article 70, the NCC, and the upper house. However, he expressed dissatisfaction with the slow pace of progress, saying, "We had hoped that by Martyr Abu Sayeed Day, all parties would sign the July Charter. That now seems uncertain — and we are concerned."
He urged the parties to move beyond self-interest. "We do not want to return to the past. The commitment we made last July — how much of that has been fulfilled? Will we focus only on party gain, or will we consider the nation's interest?"
Keep updated, follow The Business Standard's Google news channel
"When BNP compromises, it appears as a party matter. But when we — the pro-reform groups — compromise, it risks the national interest."
He emphasised the need to ensure that future constitutional amendments cannot contradict public will.
"This must be guaranteed constitutionally. Strong constitutional safeguards and an independent judiciary are essential," Riaz concluded.
These remarks came at the end of the second phase, seventh day of consensus talks with 30 political parties at the Foreign Service Academy in Dhaka today (29 June).
Fundamental reform stalled by BNP, allies: Akhtar Hossain
Akhtar Hossain, member secretary of the National Citizens' Party, has alleged that fundamental reforms are being held back by the BNP and like-minded parties.
Akhtar Hossain stated that the space for fundamental reform remains blocked by the BNP and its allies. "The commission has requested them to reconsider the proposals, and we join in urging them. The public is watching who truly supports fundamental reform."
Demanding 100% agreement or trying to force us would be unfair."
He also accused the BNP of politicising the reform talks within the commission, saying, "When BNP compromises, it appears as a party matter. But when we — the pro-reform groups — compromise, it risks the national interest."
He criticised the rejection of the National Constitutional Council proposal due to its name. Although the name was later changed to Appointment Committee, it still cannot be materialised due to resistance from the BNP and a few others.
Regarding the proposed upper house of parliament, Akhtar said, "Although most parties agree on proportional representation in the upper house, the proposal faces resistance. BNP has also not supported a two-thirds requirement in the upper house to prevent constitutional amendment by a single party."
"We had hoped that by Martyr Abu Sayeed Day, all parties would sign the July Charter. That now seems uncertain — and we are concerned."
The July uprising leader also warned that if the government does not issue the July Declaration by the end of the month, all pro-July groups will read it out themselves on 3 August.
Akhtar clarified the distinction between the July Declaration and the July Charter, saying, "The July Declaration is a document acknowledging the 2024 uprising — it is a separate matter, not an integral part of the July Charter."
We've shown maximum sincerity: Salauddin
BNP, however, insists it has shown the highest level of sincerity toward reform.
BNP Standing Committee Member Salauddin Ahmed told reporters, "We've agreed on Article 70, constitutional principles, standing committee, term limits for the PM, and secret ballot for presidential elections. But demanding 100% agreement or trying to force us would be unfair."
He called for reforms to ensure transparency, accountability, and alignment with public expectations in all constitutional bodies.
On the proposal for a bicameral legislature, he said, "We stick to our previous proposal — 100 members in the upper house distributed based on lower house seat share. But the formation process remains unresolved."
Jamaat warns against elections without reform
Jamaat-e-Islami's Nayeb-e-Ameer Syed Abdullah Mohammad Taher said, "If the reform agenda is not accepted, we risk returning to authoritarianism and political criminality. A reformless election will change nothing — we'll be back to square one. Will people even participate in such an election?"
"There is serious diversity in ideas and ideology among parties, making full consensus extremely difficult. But we are trying to minimise these differences," he added.
Regarding the Appointment Committee, he said, "Some fear that this would tie the Prime Minister's hands — but this is incorrect. Previously, appointments were made by search committees where PMs could secretly send lists. We must prevent this."
He proposed a high-powered constitutional committee to oversee appointments, ensuring independence while preserving the PM's role without undue interference.
