Draft of July Charter ready for party review

Staff Reporter :

The National Consensus Commission (NCC) is expected to deliver a consolidated and broadly acceptable draft of the July Charter to all political parties by today, Thursday, according to NCC Vice Chairman Professor Ali Riaz.

Speaking at the opening of the commission’s 22nd meeting in the second phase of its ongoing multiparty dialogue at the Foreign Service Academy on Bailey Road, Dhaka, Professor Riaz emphasised the importance of timely decision-making. “Decision-making is a critical part of the mandate entrusted to us,” he said. “We are striving to reach consensus swiftly and anticipate sharing our recommendations by tomorrow.”

He further stated that a comprehensive list of agreed issues would be circulated to the parties by Wednesday, as the commission advances towards finalising its proposals on key institutional reforms.

Significant progress has been made on the issue of women’s representation in Parliament, with a draft proposal on a revised mechanism for enhanced inclusion already distributed among political parties. The commission has also proposed expanding the scope of citizens’ fundamental rights, an issue on which all parties have expressed general agreement, although differing views remain on the constitutional means to implement the changes.

The dialogue scheduled for Wednesday will address several sensitive and foundational topics, including the structure and powers of the presidency, reforms to Article 48(3), the presidential election process, and the composition of the electoral college.

Further discussions will focus on the proposed establishment of an upper house as part of a bicameral parliamentary system, examining its membership, election procedures, and jurisdiction.

Additional reforms under consideration include amendments to the fundamental principles of the state and the appointment processes for constitutional bodies such as the Public Service Commission, Anti-Corruption Commission, Comptroller and Auditor General, and the office of the Ombudsman.

While full consensus on all matters has yet to be achieved, commission officials report considerable convergence among parties on many key institutional and democratic reforms during this second phase of dialogue.