‘July Charter’ a historic achievement; it’s now at final stage: Prof Yunus

UNB:
Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus has said the ‘July Charter’ is a historic achievement, which will ensure the smooth transfer of power in Bangladesh, the country’s independence and capacity of accountable state institutions.

He hoped that political parties will soon sign the ‘July Charter’ and also agree on its implementation as it will ensure the genuine realisation of citizen rights, proper management of national resources and capabilities.

“Under the leadership of the Consensus Commission, and through continuous dialogue among all political parties over a long period, the ‘July Charter’ has now reached its final stage,” Prof Yunus said in a televised speech to the nation on Tuesday night.

“In terms of reform, we have achieved our goals,” he said, noting that since the July Uprising, they have come a long way.

He said the ‘July Charter’ will be remembered not only in political history but also in the broader context of political history. “Not only will the document itself but also the process of its creation be remembered,” Prof Yunus said.

On behalf of the nation, Prof Yunus extended heartfelt gratitude and thanks to the leaders of all political parties and the members of the Consensus Commission, especially to Professor Ali Riaz, who led this initiative.

Representatives from political parties participated in these discussions in a very cordial environment, he said.

“Despite differences of opinion, there was a shared effort to reach consensus among all parties,” said Prof Yunus, hoping that, based on this consensus, the political parties will soon sign the July Charter and also agree on its implementation.
He said they must ensure that no future government can ever become fascist again.

“The state must be restructured in such a way that any sign of fascism, wherever it appears, can be immediately eradicated right there, so we never again have to wait 16 years, never again lose so many lives. We must never again require another mass uprising,” he said.

The Chief Adviser said peace and order have returned to national life, the economy has regained momentum, and many crises have been resolved.

Just a few days ago, he said, they successfully concluded tariff negotiations with the United States, which has significantly increased the potential of our economy.

A year ago, when the interim government took over an economy devastated by 16 years of continuous destruction and plundering, few believed it could be revived, Prof Yunus said.

“But within just one year, we have made progress beyond what anyone could have imagined. The economy has turned around. Now it is time to move forward at full speed,” he said, mentioning that they are now progressing toward handing over the reins of governance from the interim government to an elected one.

In his address to the nation four months after taking office, Prof Yunus promised to hold the next national parliamentary election in 2026 but before the election, they must complete several essential tasks. The July Declaration and the July Charter are among them.

On the occasion of July Mass Uprising Day, the interim government presented the ‘July Declaration’ to the nation with the participation of political parties.

“This declaration outlines the context of the July Uprising as well as other historic and democratic movements of the people of Bangladesh, including the great Liberation War,” Prof Yunus said.

He said they had three primary responsibilities – reform, justice and election.

The students, workers and people who led the July Uprising wrote their demands and expectations on walls across the country.

A key focus of those demands was the democratic reform of the state system.

In line with that goal, the interim formed several reform commissions.
“Among the recommendations submitted by the main commissions, we have already implemented many short-term and urgently needed reforms,” Prof Yunus said.

These reforms, he said, will bring dynamism to the economic sector, the justice system, and public administration; transparency and accountability will increase significantly; corruption, irregularities and harassment will be reduced.

To implement long-term reforms, the interim government established the National Consensus Commission.

Over 30 political parties and alliances participated enthusiastically and shared their views, said Prof Yunus.

At the initial stage, the Consensus Commission held discussions over two months with these political parties and alliances on their 166 recommendations.

Based on the areas of consensus, the commission has identified 19 fundamental reforms, setting aside the issues on which political consensus were already established.

In the second phase, after 23 days of discussion, consensus has been reached on most aspects of 19 additional issues, although there are notes of dissent from some political parties on a few points, Prof Yunus said.

The Chief Adviser remembered the martyrs of July, the shining sons and daughters of the nation. “To those who were injured, permanently disabled, or lost their vision in July, I extend my deepest respect and gratitude on behalf of the entire nation.”

Over the past year, Prof Yunus said they have passed through many crises and possibilities. “Several incidents and tragedies have deeply saddened us.”

Most recently, he said, the heartbreaking plane crash at Milestone School and College claimed the lives of many people, including our innocent children.

“Many were injured in the resulting fire. This tragedy has left the entire nation in shock. I pray for the peace of the souls who lost their lives in this incident and wish a swift recovery to those still under medical care,” Prof Yunus said.

Following this horrific accident, doctors and nurses from countries including Singapore, China, and India have worked tirelessly to help the injured, he said, extending his sincere gratitude to them. “I also thank those who stood beside the victims by donating blood.”