Bangladesh parties sign 'July Charter' in fresh push for political stability

Dhaka (Web Desk): In a landmark move toward political reform, Bangladesh’s major parties on Friday signed a national charter proposing sweeping changes to the country’s administrative and constitutional framework ahead of the general elections scheduled for February 2026.

The “July Charter,” hailed as a milestone in national consensus, was signed in Dhaka by leaders from 25 political entities, including the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami, and the interim government’s chief, Dr. Muhammad Yunus.

The interim administration had earlier constituted a consensus commission in February to engage political groups in designing reforms aimed at preventing any resurgence of authoritarian rule.

A key element of the proposals is the revival of the caretaker government system, which was abolished in 2011 by Sheikh Hasina’s government.

Hasina was ousted from office last August following a massive public uprising and has since been living in exile in India. The July Charter takes its name from the month the nationwide movement began that eventually led to her downfall.

According to a United Nations (UN) assessment, around 1,400 people lost their lives during the uprising. The former prime minister is now facing several court cases in Bangladesh, including charges related to mass killings during her rule.

However, the Bangladesh Citizen Party (NCP)—a key player in the uprising and the group that initially suggested Dr. Yunus as interim leader—refused to sign the charter.

The NCP stated that it would endorse the agreement only after the government grants it formal legal recognition.

Officials from the interim administration have indicated that discussions are underway to provide the NCP an opportunity to sign later, though consensus on the implementation phase of the reforms has not yet been achieved.

Following the signing ceremony, Dr. Yunus declared that the July Charter marks “a new beginning for Bangladesh,” expressing confidence that it will restore order and democratic integrity to the political landscape.

“This collective voice of unity will help us hold a free and credible election in February in a spirit of celebration,” he remarked.