Govt Aims for ‘July Charter’ Through Consensus: CA

Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus today spoke at the first meeting of the National Consensus Commission with the political parties at Foreign Service Academy. Photo: PID

During his closing remarks at the first meeting of the National Consensus Commission with political parties at the Foreign Service Academy, Prof Yunus emphasized the need for deep and comprehensive reforms. “It would be naive to say reforms aren’t needed; we need them badly,” he remarked.

He pointed out that the country’s institutions are dysfunctional and laws are not being fully implemented, which calls for urgent reforms. He questioned who would oppose such reforms, suggesting that once political parties agree on them, implementation would be easier.

“We are united on this issue,” Prof Yunus asserted, adding that objections would be addressed and corrected in the process. He emphasized that the ultimate objective is to reach an agreement on reforms and prepare the "July Charter."

While details of the implementation will come later, reaching a consensus on reforms is crucial, he explained. “If we fail to reach consensus, we will have no way forward,” he warned.

Prof Yunus, who also chairs the National Consensus Commission, announced that the reform proposals from six reform commissions will be posted on a website for feedback from all political parties. “Once we gather your opinions, we will decide what steps can be taken,” he said.

Once the July Charter is finalized, it will be shared with political parties for signing and then preserved in museums and other places, Prof Yunus added. He stressed that the charter must be enacted to ensure the sustainability of the state.

“We have no choice but to make this charter. We cannot back out,” he urged, expressing confidence that the political leaders would be able to achieve it.

The meeting was attended by leaders from various political parties, including BNP, Jamaat-e-Islami, LDP, Jatiya Party (Kazi Zafar), Nagorik Oikya, Islami Andolan, Khelafat Majlish, Gono Sanghati Andolon, Gonoadhikar Parishad, and Jatiya Nagorik Committee. BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir led the BNP delegation at the meeting, which also included members of the National Consensus Commission such as Prof Ali Riaz, Abdul Muyeed Chowdhury, Safar Raj Hossain, Badiul Alam Majumder, Justice Emdadul Haque, and Dr Iftekharuzzaman.