Bangladesh NCP Opposes July National Charter Signing

DHAKA – Bangladesh is set for a historic political moment on Friday with the signing of the much-anticipated July National Charter 2025, a document aimed at forging consensus among political parties on the country’s path to democratic renewal. Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus has called on all parties to participate in the signing, emphasizing the unity of Bangladesh despite political, religious, or ethnic differences. However, not all parties are on board. The National Citizen Party (NCP) has raised serious objections, claiming that the July National Charter 2025 lacks a proper legal basis and could fail to achieve its intended impact.

The NCP argues that the July National Charter 2025, prepared by the National Consensus Commission—a seven-member umbrella body established by the Yunus government in February—cannot provide legal legitimacy. The party has pointed out unresolved issues, including the full implementation of reform proposals recommended by six separate reform commissions, as well as the question of a referendum to secure public endorsement. “NCP believes that signing the July National Charter 2025 without legal foundation will turn the document into a mere formality,” the party said in a statement, signaling that it may only endorse the charter once these concerns are addressed.

Chief Adviser Yunus, determined to bring the nation together, has urged every Bangladeshi to witness the July National Charter 2025 signing live, calling it a historic day of pride and hope. “To every Bangladeshi — wherever you are — tune in and be part of this historic moment! Despite our differences, we stand together as ONE UNITED NATION,” Yunus said in a post on X, highlighting the symbolic importance of the July National Charter 2025 for national unity and democratic reform.

Several key parties, including the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), will participate in the signing of the July National Charter 2025. BNP Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia and Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman have been invited to the ceremony at the South Plaza of the National Parliament building in Dhaka. While the BNP will back the charter, Rahman will not attend in person, and Khaleda Zia’s presence may also be affected by health concerns. The BNP has also voiced opposition to holding a referendum before elections, a demand raised by the Islamic hardline party Jamaat-e-Islami Bangladesh, which could have provided legal backing to the July National Charter 2025.

Cultural Affairs Adviser Mostofa Sarwar Farooki described the signing of the July National Charter 2025 as a step toward a “journey toward a festive election,” highlighting efforts to prepare communication materials and generate nationwide enthusiasm. With multiple parties weighing their participation, the July National Charter 2025 remains a pivotal milestone in Bangladesh’s political landscape, symbolizing both hope for democratic reform and the challenges of achieving legal and political consensus in a deeply divided environment.

As the July National Charter 2025 signing approaches, attention is focused on whether parties like NCP will eventually come on board, and how the charter will influence Bangladesh’s political trajectory in the lead-up to the next national elections. Analysts say the success of the July National Charter 2025 hinges on its ability to balance political inclusivity, legal legitimacy, and public confidence.