Staff Reporter:
Urging political leaders to have talks for a fair and festive election, Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus on Friday said that the signing of the ‘July National Charter 2025’ symbolises a tune of unity and this unity will guide them towards the upcoming national election.
He expressed optimism that a fair and festive election would be held in February next year maintaining the existing unity among the politicians.
“We are talking about the elections. The tune we played together today is a tune of unity. We will move forward to the election with this same spirit. The election will be held in February, and it is essential that we maintain this unity,” Prof Yunus said soon after signing the Charter.
He urged political leaders to come together- through a commission or committee, whatever they feel better- to discuss and determine practical ways to ensure a fair and celebratory election. “We can make this happen,” he added.
The Chief Adviser said they need to hold the next national election in such a way that nobody can raise a question.
Prof Yunus urged all to work and try together so that they can hold an election fairly and in a festive manner. “We can do that. Fix your mind.”
He described the signing moment of the July Memorial Charter-2025 as a ‘great day’ and sees it as the beginning of ‘New Bangladesh’.
“It’s a great day. It’s the beginning of New Bangladesh,” he said in his speech soon after signing of the historic document.
Prof Yunus, also the chief of the National Consensus Commission, thanked the politicians, stressing that they not only set an example for the nation but also for the world. “With this, they took the nation to a new height,” Prof Yunus said.
The Chief Adviser remembered those who sacrificed their lives during the July Uprising and who got injured with due respect and said they, in fact, brought this opportunity for the nation. “Let us remember them.”
The Historic July Charter was officially signed at the South Plaza of the Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban.
Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus and Vice President of the National Consensus Commission Prof Ali Riaz signed the charter, joined by several other political leaders.
Earlier, the much-hyped event began with the singing of the national anthem. The proceedings were conducted by Chief Adviser’s Special Assistant Monir Haider.
After the Chief Adviser’s speech, a film was screened. Prof Yunus also exchanged pleasantries with political leaders and joined them for a group photo.
Prof Yunus said the National Consensus Commission and the political leaders held the discussion in a very friendly atmosphere where the political leaders upheld their positions and principles through genuine dialogue.
He said people across the country witnessed the healthy debate and got engaged in this process. “The discussion was not just confined in a room but you engaged the whole nation,” Prof Yunus said.
He said all complex issues came up with consensus at the end and this practice will be even discussed among the politicians abroad. “The whole country saw an excellent discussion.”
Prof Yunus talked about the resources that Bangladesh can avail of being part of the Bay of Bengal and highlighted the importance of port modernization and turn it like Singapore.
He also highlighted the potential of regional cooperation for mutual benefits.
Prof Yunus said he can guarantee that many countries will come to Bangladesh to learn from the country as they set an example by signing the July Charter.
“We are a great nation. We are not a small nation. We hold our heads high,” Prof Yunus said.
He said these achievements will be incorporated in the textbooks so that the young generation can read and know the path that the politicians have shown them.
Prof Yunus said this country has the capacity to give others and can create many more examples in the future.
Representatives of 25 political parties were present at the July National Charter 2025 signing ceremony organized by the National Consensus Commission.
In addition, on behalf of the martyred family, Mir Mostafizur Rahman, father of Shaheed Mir Mahfuzur Rahman Mugdha, and Shamsi Ara Begum, mother of Shaheed Tahir Zaman Priya, were present at the July National Charter signing ceremony.
The charter, comprising 84 major reform recommendations and a seven-point implementation commitment, was formalised at 5:06pm at a much-hyped event held at the South Plaza of the Jatiya Sangsad, amid celebrations.
Major political parties, including the BNP, Jamaat-e-Islami, Islami Andolan Bangladesh (IAB), Gono Odhikar Parishad, Nagorik Oikya, Ganosamhati Andolon and Biplabi Workers Party participated in the signing ceremony.
National Citizen Party (NCP) and several leftist parties, however, opted to boycott the event.
Two representatives from each participating party signed the July Charter, a historic document of political consensus—before Chief Adviser and NCC head Prof Muhammad Yunus placed his signature to formalise the reform accord.
On behalf of BNP, Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir and Standing Committee member Salahuddin Ahmed signed the reform charter, while Jamaat-e-Islami Nayeb-e-Ameer Dr Syed Abdullah Muhammad Taher and Secretary General Mia Golam Parwar inked it for their party.
Among others, Nagorik Oikya President Mahmudur Rahman Manna, Ganosamhati Andolon Chief Coordinator Zonayed Saki, Gono Odhikar Parishad President Nurul Haque Nur and General Secretary Rashed Khan, and IAB Presidium Member Ashraf Ali Khan Akand were present on the stage.
