Consensus charter signing eyed on July 1, says Riaz

NN Online :
Vice-Chairman of the National Consensus Commission, Professor Ali Riaz, on Sunday expressed hope that the July Charter for state reforms could be signed on the martyrdom day of Shaheed Abu Sayed, symbolising a collective political commitment to democratic progress.

Speaking at the opening session of the commission’s ongoing dialogue with political parties at the Foreign Service Academy around 10:30 am, Prof Riaz said, “We had hoped that the July Charter would be signed on the anniversary of Shaheed Abu Sayed. But that depends on all of you. We are committed to finalising the charter within this month.”

Highlighting the commission’s role, Riaz said it was entrusted by the government to facilitate inclusive state reforms. “Political parties represent the people and will govern the country one day. That’s why we must build consensus on key issues,” he stated.

He emphasised that any future constitutional amendments must reflect the will of the people, stressing the need to limit excessive concentration of power and ensure judicial independence. “We must create constitutional safeguards to prevent future authoritarianism,” he added.

Reflecting on the sacrifice of the July martyrs, he said, “We are here today because many sacrificed through oppression and struggle. It is our duty to honour that with meaningful reform.”

Sunday marked the seventh day of the second round of talks between the Commission and political parties, aimed at finalising the July Charter.

The meeting was chaired by Prof Riaz and attended by Commission members Justice Emdadul Haque, Dr Badiul Alam Majumder, Dr Ayub Mia, Dr Iftekharuzzaman, Safar Raj Hossain, and Special Assistant to the Chief Adviser Monir Haider.

Representatives from 30 political parties, including BNP, Jamaat-e-Islami, Gana Parishad, CPB, AB Party, and others, took part in the discussion.