Muktadesh Desk: The National Consensus Commission will make recommendations to the government on ways to implement the July National Charter. The recommendations will be formally handed over tomorrow, Tuesday at 12 noon in the presence of the members of the Advisory Council.
The closing meeting of the commission was held at the State Guest House Jamuna on Monday afternoon under the chairmanship of Chief Advisor Professor Muhammad Yunus.
Consensus Commission Vice-Chairman Professor Ali Riaz, Commission members Justice Md. Emdadul Haque, Dr. Iftekharuzzaman, Dr. Badiul Alam Majumder, Dr. Md. Ayub Mia and Special Assistant to the Chief Advisor Monir Haider were present.
In the closing meeting, the Chief Advisor emphasized the preservation of all documents, videos, audios, and pictures of the discussions from the formation of the National Consensus Commission to the final recommendations.
He said that these are invaluable assets. As a nation, we need to preserve and keep open for everyone the context, process, and decisions we reached in the long term. All the documents, including photos and videos of all the meetings held and letters exchanged, should be preserved and categorized. All the discussions that were broadcast live on television should be preserved in fragments. Because these will be living documents of history. Those who want to do research should be able to see them and use them. These documents will remain for generations to come. These documents will be at the center of future political discussions,’ the Chief Advisor said.
At this time, the Chief Advisor expressed his gratitude to the political parties, the relevant officials and employees of the Consensus Commission, researchers, and media workers.
In the closing meeting, the commission members called on the government to take steps to finalize the outline for the implementation of the July National Charter and also implement the recommendations of other reform commissions.
Stating that the National Consensus Commission has worked to lay the foundation for a permanent accountable state in Bangladesh, Commission Vice-Chairman Professor Ali Riaz said, “The recommendations for the implementation of the July National Charter have been finalized based on discussions with political parties as well as legal experts, judges, academics, and prominent figures from civil society.”
He also said that the three core responsibilities of the interim government formed through the July 24 mass uprising (judicial, reform, and election) are a structural reform. The main responsibility of the National Consensus Commission was to create an outline for reform. Despite the similarities and differences, the desire for reform was visible among the political parties. They have always cooperated with us in every way. They have participated in the dialogue with great patience and discretion day after day.
“Let us not lose the opportunity that the mass uprising of students, workers, and the people on July 24 has given us. The Commission has prioritized reform so that the people can see the desired changes in the future. The Commission has completed its duties. The handover will be formalized. The term of the Commission will end on October 31. Even then, if the government needs it, we will try to provide personal cooperation as citizens of this country,’ he said.
Election Reform Commission head and commission member Badiul Alam Majumder said, ‘Everyone expects the government’s commitment and courage in implementing the July National Charter. Keeping this in mind, so many fresh lives were lost and so many people were injured in the mass uprising, so that the necessary reforms are ensured. Let’s not lose this opportunity.’
Commission member Justice Emdadul Haque said, ‘The unity that existed between the political parties in the mass uprising was reflected in the same sincerity in the commission meetings. This is a very positive aspect.’
Police Reform Commission head and commission member Safar Raj said, ‘For the first time, the political parties have sat down and discussed patiently. This is our expectation that such cordiality will continue in the future as well.’
Anti-Corruption Commission Reform Commission head and commission member Dr. Iftekharuzzaman urged the government to take firm steps in implementing the July Charter as well as reforming the ACC.
Monir Haider, Special Assistant to the Chief Advisor, said, “Every one of the martyr families we spoke to told us that they feel that sacrificing their children’s lives will be in vain if reforms are not ensured. Those who gave their lives in July are the main foundation of this.
The National Consensus Commission will formally hand over its recommendations on ways to implement the July National Charter to the interim government at 12 noon tomorrow at the State Guest House Jamuna.”
