Dhaka: The National Consensus Commission is set to submit its recommendations to the government on the implementation of the July National Charter tomorrow. “The formal handover of the recommendations will take place at 12 noon tomorrow (Tuesday) at the State Guest House Jamuna here in the presence of members of the Council of Advisers,” said the Chief Adviser’s Press Wing this evening.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the development came at the concluding meeting of the Consensus Commission held at the Jamuna this afternoon, with Commission Chairman Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus in the chair. Commission Vice-Chairman Professor Ali Riaz, members Justice Md Emdadul Haque, Dr Iftekharuzzaman, Dr Badiul Alam Majumder, Dr Mohammad Ayub Mia, Safar Raj, and Special Assistant to the Chief Adviser on National Consensus Building Process Monir Haider were present at the meeting.
At the meeting, the Chief Adviser emphasized the importance of preserving all documents, videos, audios, and photographs related to the commission’s activities-from its formation to the final recommendations. “These are invaluable assets. As a nation, it is essential to preserve and be open to everyone in the long term to understand that in what context and through what process, we reached what decisions,” Professor Yunus said.
He further stated that all documents, including photographs, videos, and correspondences, must be preserved and categorized properly, adding that all discussions broadcast live on television must be preserved in episodes. These will serve as living historical records and vital resources for future researchers, he said, adding, “These documents will remain for generations to come. These documents will be at the center of future political discussions.”
Professor Yunus expressed gratitude to political parties, officials of the commission, researchers, and members of the media for their contributions to the commission’s work. At the concluding meeting, the commission finalized its framework for implementing the July National Charter and urged the government to take measures to implement the recommendations that came from other reform commissions as well.
Noting that the National Consensus Commission has worked to lay the foundation for a “permanent, accountable state” in Bangladesh, Professor Ali Riaz stated that the recommendations have been finalized for implementing the July National Charter following consultations with political parties, legal experts, judges, academics, and civil society representatives. He said the structural reform was one of the three core responsibilities-justice, reform, and election-of the interim government formed after the 2024 July Uprising.
The key responsibility of the Consensus Commission was to chart a roadmap for reforms, Professor Riaz said, adding, “Despite differences, all political parties demonstrated a genuine willingness for reform. They always extended all-out cooperation to us. Day after day, they engaged in discussions with patience and prudence.” He emphasized that the opportunity given by the students-workers-people’s uprising of July 2024 should not be lost, and the commission prioritized reforms so that citizens can witness expected changes in the future.
The Vice-Chairman of the commission noted that with the completion of its responsibility, the commission’s tenure will expire on October 31. However, if the government requires, they will continue to support personally as citizens of the country. Electoral Reform Commission Chairman and member of the Consensus Commission Dr Badiul Alam Majumder expressed that everyone expects the government to show commitment and courage in implementing the July National Charter.
Consensus Commission member Justice Md Emdadul Haque highlighted the spirit of unity among political parties during the uprising, which was also reflected in meetings of the commission as a positive sign. Police Reform Commission Chair and member of the Consensus Commission Safar Raj noted that for the first time, political parties sat together and held discussions with patience, hoping this spirit of amity will continue in the future.
Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) Reform Commission chief and member of the Consensus Commission Dr Iftekharuzzaman urged the government to take firm action to reform the Anti-Corruption Commission along with implementing the July National Charter. Special Assistant to the Chief Adviser on National Consensus Building Process Monir Haider shared that the families of the martyrs expressed concerns that without reforms, the sacrifices of their loved ones would be in vain, emphasizing that their sacrifice is the foundation of these reforms.