In a moment charged with both enthusiasm and uncertainty amid deep political divides, the long-debated July Charter is set to be signed on Friday afternoon, a move the interim government hails as a 'turning point in the nation’s history'.
The historic signing ceremony will take place around 4pm at the South Plaza of the Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban.
Ahead of the event, the Chief Adviser’s press wing on Thursday announced a ban on drone activity in the parliament area during the event, urging all parties to comply with the security measures.
Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus, along with representatives from various political parties, is scheduled to attend the ceremony.
Prof Yunus, who also heads the National Consensus Commission, expressed optimism, calling the event a significant step forward.
“You have made possible what once seemed impossible. We will join Friday’s ceremony in a festive spirit. This is our hope and we will share it with the whole nation,” he said on Wednesday, reaffirming that the next national election will be held in February.
Go live together Friday, we stand united: Prof Yunus urges media
The Chief Adviser called on all TV and online media to broadcast the July National Charter signing ceremony live on Friday.
"To every Bangladeshi — wherever you are, at home or on the move, in your shops, factories, fields, or playgrounds — tune in and be part of this historic moment!," said Prof Yunus in a message on Thursday night.
"Despite our political, religious, or ethnic differences, we stand together as ONE UNITED NATION," he said.
Prof Ali Riaz, Vice-Chair of the National Consensus Commission, said that any political party that chooses not to sign the July National Charter 2025 on Friday will still be allowed to do so at a later date.
He made this statement in response to a journalist's question during a press conference on Thursday evening at the LD Hall of the Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban.
Khaleda, Tarique invited to July Charter signing ceremony
Prof Yunus thanked political leaders and Commission members for their cooperation, calling the Charter “an end to a major chapter, and the beginning of a new one.”
“The Charter will be remembered globally as an example where political leaders not only discussed but also resolved critical issues. As a citizen, I’m very proud,” he said.
BNP Standing Committee Member Salahuddin Ahmed confirmed that his party will sign the Charter, but with a formal 'note of dissent'.
“We’ve agreed to sign (it), but with a note of dissent clearly outlining the areas where disagreements remain,” he said.
National Citizen Party (NCP) Convener Nahid Islam was more reserved, noting that the NCP would not sign the Charter without a clear legal foundation.
“Signing without confirming the legal framework will only worsen the situation,” he said.
Meanwhile, seven political parties involved in the ongoing simultaneous movement, including Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami and Islami Andolan Bangladesh, are scheduled to meet Thursday evening to decide their stance on the Charter.
BNP to sign July Charter with note of dissents, says Salahuddin
Prof Yunus said the Charter is a historic achievement and a national asset. “The people will remember this remarkable progress. Everyone who contributed will be honored for generations to come,” he said.
The National Consensus Commission on Tuesday sent the final version of the July National Charter to political parties, seeking their firm commitment to its full implementation.
In its preliminary draft released on July 28, the Commission had proposed that political parties pledge to complete all reforms within two years of forming the next government.
The draft outlines that no one can serve as both the head of a political party and the prime minister at the same time, and it sets a ten-year limit on holding the office of prime minister.
It also suggests forming a bicameral legislature to enhance democratic governance.
Not all proposals received unanimous support, with certain parties expressing disagreement on specific points.
July Charter signing to be an occasion of national celebrations, hopes Prof Yunus
The final draft states that any recommendations deemed 'immediately implementable' must be carried out by the interim government and relevant authorities through prompt, effective and appropriate measures before the election.
It, however, does not specify which recommendations fall into that category.
The final draft incorporates the 84 issues of consensus reached during two rounds of dialogue between March 20 and July 31, along with dissenting views from BNP and several other parties over some particular points of several issues.
The Consensus Commission is seeking eight commitments from the political parties, prioritising the context of the July Uprising.
The charter states that all its proposals will be implemented as a reflection of the sacrifices made and the aspirations of the people in the July-August 2024 movement and uprising.
It has been described as a framework for a new political settlement, which has been adopted on the basis of a consensus.
The Commission stressed that the July-August 2024 uprising as the basis of the new political settlement, framing the Charter as a reflection of the sacrifices and aspirations of that movement.
The National Consensus Commission on Thursday invited BNP Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia and Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman to the signing ceremony of the 'National July Charter 2025'.
Commission members Dr Badiul Alam Majumdar and journalist Monir Hayder, who is also a Special Assistant to the Chief Adviser, handed over the invitation cards, said BNP Media Cell member Sayrul Kabir Khan.