July Charter: 26 parties submit feedback, 4 still silent

Staff Reporter :

A total of 26 political parties have now submitted their opinions to the National Consensus Commission following its circulation of a revised draft of the July National Charter 2025, the body confirmed on Wednesday.

Islami Andolon Bangladesh and Nagorik Oikya became the latest to hand in written feedback, bringing the tally to 26 parties by 1 p.m. The updated draft was issued on the night of 16 August after the previous version was found to contain errors.

While parties were originally asked to respond within a set timeframe, the deadline was later extended until 22 August to encourage broader consultation.

The extension prompted a surge of submissions. On 22 August alone, 24 parties filed their views, among them major players such as the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), National Citizen Party (NCP), Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), Amar Bangladesh (AB) Party, and Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami.

A broad spectrum of smaller and mid-sized parties – including Khelafat Majlish, Jatiyatabadi Gonotantrik Andolon (NDM), Jatiya Samajtantrik Dal (JSD), Biplobi Workers Party, Gono Forum, the Communist Party of Bangladesh (CPB), and members of the 12-Party Alliance – also took part.

The commission, set up to build consensus on governance reforms in the wake of last year’s political upheaval, has called on all stakeholders to provide detailed feedback before the charter is finalised.

Four parties are yet to submit their positions: Gono Odhikar Parishad (GOP), Rastro Songskar Andolon, Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam Bangladesh, and Islami Oikya Jote. Officials urged them to respond quickly so their perspectives can be reflected in the next draft, which will be prepared for national debate and eventual parliamentary consideration in the coming months.