Staff Reporter:
The National Consensus Commission has amended the fifth clause of the pledge section of the July National Charter 2025, incorporating key demands raised by “July fighters” during recent protests.
“The 5th clause of the Charter’s pledge has been revised to reflect the demands of July fighters following discussions with them and consultations with political parties,” said Professor Ali Riaz, vice chair of the Commission, while addressing demonstrators at the South Plaza of the Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban on Friday.
Commission members including Justice Md Emdadul Haque, Iftekharuzzaman, Badiul Alam Majumdar, Md Ayub Mia and the Chief Adviser’s Special Assistant Monir Haider were also present.
Ali Riaz read out the amended language of the clause, which now states:
“We will ensure justice for those subjected to enforced disappearances, killings and torture during the 16-year struggle against Awami fascism before the mass uprising, and for all killings carried out by fascist Awami League and some members of its allied law enforcement agencies during the July–August 2024 mass uprising. We will honor the martyrs with state recognition, confer state hero status on July fighters, and provide appropriate support — including monthly allowances, proper medical treatment, rehabilitation, legal immunity, and protection of basic rights and security for martyr families and injured fighters.”
Riaz added that the Commission will present the revised pledge to the government with “clear and specific” recommendations for implementation. “There is no difference of opinion between political parties and the Commission on this issue,” he said.
The amendment was made after police dispersed protesters from the venue of the signing ceremony. The group, identifying themselves as July Martyrs’ Families and Injured Fighters, had camped at the parliament complex overnight, demanding state recognition, legal protection, and rehabilitation. The clash left several people injured.
Earlier in the day, BNP standing committee member Salahuddin Ahmed also called for revising the clause in a Facebook post, arguing that the original wording did not properly reflect the reality of the July uprising.
The government has scheduled the official signing of the July National Charter for Friday afternoon, with several major political parties expected to attend.
