National Consensus Commission: Submit reform recommendations today
Staff Reporter :
The National Consensus Commission is set to submit its recommendations to the government on the implementation of the July National Charter.
The formal handover will take place on Tuesday at 12 noon at the State Guest House Jamuna in the presence of members of the Advisory Council, according to the Chief Adviser’s Press Wing on Monday.
The final meeting of the Commission was held this afternoon at the State Guest House Jamuna with Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus in the chair.
Vice-Chair of the Commission Professor Ali Riaz, members Justice Md Emdadul Haque, Dr Iftekharuzzaman, Dr Badiul Alam Majumdar, Dr Md Ayub Mia, and Special Assistant to the Chief Adviser Monir Haider, among others, were present.
At the concluding session, the Chief Adviser stressed the importance of preserving all documents, videos, audios, and photographs from the Commission’s work, from its inception to the submission of the final recommendations.
“These are invaluable national assets,” he said. “As a nation, we must ensure these materials are preserved and remain accessible so that future generations understand the process and context in which national decisions were made.”
He further said, “Every meeting’s video, every letter exchanged, every televised discussion – everything must be archived, categorised, and stored.
These records will serve as living historical documents and future researchers will be able to use them to understand this moment in our history.”
He expressed his gratitude to political parties, Commission officials, researchers, and journalists for their contributions and cooperation.
During the meeting, Commission members finalised the roadmap for implementing the July National Charter and urged the government to move ahead with the recommendations of other reform commissions as well.
“The National Consensus Commission has worked to lay the foundation of a permanent and accountable state in Bangladesh,” said Commission Vice-Chair Professor Ali Riaz.
“Based on extensive discussions with political parties, legal experts, judges, academics, and members of civil society, we have finalised the recommendations for implementing the July Charter,” he said.
He added, “The interim government born from the July 2024 people’s uprising was entrusted with three core responsibilities – justice, reform, and election.
Our mandate was to draw up a reform framework. Despite differences, the political parties demonstrated a genuine commitment to reform and extended full cooperation. They participated in dialogue with patience and foresight.”
Professor Riaz emphasised that the opportunity created by the July movement must not be lost.
“The Commission’s priority has been reform, so that people can see the changes they aspired to. With the completion of our duties, the recommendations will be formally handed over.”
“Our term ends on 31 October, but if the government needs our assistance, we will continue to help as citizens of this country,” he pointed out.
Election Reform Commission Chair and member of the Consensus Commission Dr Badiul Alam Majumdar said, “Everyone expects the government to act with determination and courage in implementing the July Charter.
So many lives were lost and so many people were injured in the people’s uprising – this must not be forgotten. The reforms must be ensured; this opportunity cannot be wasted.”
Commission member Justice Md Emdadul Haque said, “The unity among political parties during the uprising was reflected in the sincerity and harmony of the Commission’s meetings.
That was a very positive sign.” Police Reform Commission Chair and Commission member Safar Raj said, “For the first time, political parties sat together and engaged in calm and patient dialogue. We hope this spirit of cooperation will continue in the future.”
Anti-Corruption Commission Reform Commission Chair and member Dr Iftekharuzzaman urged the government to take firm action not only in implementing the July Charter but also in reforming the ACC.
Special Assistant to the Chief Adviser Monir Haider said, “Every family of a martyr, we spoke to, expressed one shared concern – that their children’s sacrifice would be meaningless if the promised reforms were not delivered. Those who gave their lives in July are the true foundation of this process.”
The National Consensus Commission will formally hand over its recommendations on implementing the July National Charter to the interim government at 12 noon on Tuesday at the State Guest House Jamuna.