23 Parties Voice Opinions on Draft July National Charter

The process of shaping the “July National Charter 2025” has entered a decisive stage as 23 political parties have submitted their feedback on the draft document to the National Consensus Commission. Parties including the BNP, Jamaat-e-Islami, and the National Citizens’ Party (NCP) have joined a broad spectrum of political groups in offering views on the proposed framework, which is expected to influence the country’s future political course.

Friday was the final day for submissions. The commission, which had circulated the full draft to all registered political parties on 16 August, initially asked for responses by Wednesday. Parties were invited to provide opinions on the wording, sentence structure, and overall content of the draft. However, with only five parties responding within the initial deadline, the commission granted a short extension until 3 pm Friday.

That extension prompted a wave of activity. Alongside the BNP, Jamaat, and NCP, two dozen other parties, from large alliances to smaller ideological groups, submitted opinions. Among them were the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), Khelafat Majlis, Amar Bangladesh (AB) Party, National Democratic Movement (NDM), Bangladesh Khelafat Majlis, Jatiya Samajtantrik Dal (JSD), Revolutionary Workers Party of Bangladesh, Jatiyatabadi Samomona Jote, 12-Party Alliance, Amjanatar Dal, Gono Forum, Bangladesh Samajtantrik Dal (BSD), Jatiya Ganofront, Bangladesh Samajtantrik Dal (Marxist), Gonosonghoti Andolon, Bangladesh Jatiya Samajtantrik Dal (Bangladesh JASAD), Bangladesh Labour Party, Zaker Party, Bhashani Janashakti Party, and the Bangladesh Nezame Islam Party.

Despite the broad engagement, seven political parties—including Nagorik Oikya, Islami Andolon Bangladesh, Gono Odhikar Parishad (GOP), Rashtra Sanskar Andolon, the Communist Party of Bangladesh (CPB), Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam Bangladesh, and the Islami Oikya Jote—failed to submit their views before the deadline.

Commission officials made it clear that no further extensions will be provided. “We have allowed additional time already, but now the consultation period is over. The commission will move forward with the feedback received,” one member stated.

Analysts say the submission process highlights both the diversity of Bangladesh’s political landscape and the urgency of forging consensus on a national framework. For the commission, the challenge now lies in carefully reviewing the range of feedback to finalise a charter that reflects collective priorities while addressing concerns raised by different parties.

The July National Charter 2025 is being viewed as a potential milestone in building greater political inclusivity. Observers believe its final shape will offer important signals on how Bangladesh’s political forces, across divides, envision the country’s future governance and reforms.