A new Bangladesh emerged through signing July Charter
Staff Reporter :
Chief Adviser Professor Dr. Muhammad Yunus on Friday hailed the signing of the July National Charter as emerging a “New Bangladesh.”
“The nation owes a debt of gratitude to the martyrs of the July Uprising,” he said.
Emphasising Bangladesh’s untapped maritime potential, the chief adviser underscored the importance of establishing a deep-sea port.
“The Bay of Bengal is an inseparable part of our nation – abundant in resources that must be fully utilised. We intend to move forward constructively, leaving behind unnecessary disputes. The July Charter marks an end to such divisions,” Dr. Yunus said.
He added that by harnessing the vast resources of the Bay of Bengal and the coastal belt, Bangladesh can bring about transformative national progress.
According to him, a deep-sea port would enable direct international shipping access.
“Ships from around the world will be able to dock at our ports without relying on Singapore or others as intermediaries. This will also allow us to serve as a transit hub for regional shipments – a tremendous opportunity for economic growth.”
Yunus further noted, “Upgrading the ports at Cox’s Bazar, Matarbari, and Maheshkhali can turn the entire region into a ‘New Singapore.’
These ports can drive a regional economy and deepen economic integration with Nepal, Bhutan, and the Seven Sisters, benefiting all sides.”
Elections with unity: No room for external interference- “The melody of unity we played today will carry us into the February elections – this unity must prevail,” said the chief adviser.
He urged political parties to come together and adopt a collective framework for holding a free, festive, and historic election.
Dr. Yunus said that the signing of the charter signals the moment to focus national efforts on ensuring credible polls.
“We are fully capable of conducting a fair election without outside involvement. It should set a benchmark for both our country and the world. Today’s signing reflects our readiness – now we must prove it through unity and action.”
“We will hold the election in such a transparent manner that no external actor will have grounds to question it,” he added.
Representatives from each political party – two from each – signed the charter, followed by members of the National Consensus Commission, including Ali Riaz.
The chief adviser arrived at the venue around 4:30pm. Senior leaders from most major political parties – including the BNP, Jamaat-e-Islami, Khilafat Majlis, Liberal Democratic Party, Gono Odhikar Parishad, Gana Sanghati Andolan, AB Party, BJP and NDM- attended the event.
Ambassadors and high commissioners from several countries, along with diplomats, civil society figures, members of the advisory council, and the Consensus Commission, were also present.
The BNP delegation was led by Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, while Jamaat-e-Islami Secretary General Mia Golam Parwar led his party’s representatives.
However, several parties, including the NCP and the Left Democratic Alliance, abstained from participating.
Members of the government’s advisory council and prominent figures from diverse professional backgrounds were also in attendance.
Earlier in the day, clashes erupted on Manik Mia Avenue as police baton-charged demonstrators who had gathered under the banner of “July Fighters” to press home their three-point demand.
Police fired sound grenades and tear gas shells to disperse the crowd, leaving several injured. Protesters vandalised police vehicles – including a car and a bus – and set fire to a temporary reception area, control room, and furniture erected in front of the Parliament building for the signing ceremony.
Chief Adviser on Thursday, Yunus had urged all television channels and online platforms to broadcast the historic event live, calling upon all Bangladeshis to witness the national milestone.
“To every Bangladeshi – wherever you are, at home, at work, or on the move – join this defining moment! Despite our political, religious, or ethnic differences, we stand together as one united nation,” he said.
The July National Charter lays out key areas of reform on which political parties have agreed in principle. Drafted by the Consensus Commission, it is intended to serve as a roadmap for state restructuring in the wake of last year’s July Uprising.