Bangladesh’s interim government chief and Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus heralded the “birth of a new Bangladesh” with the signing of the July National Charter at a high-profile ceremony in Dhaka’s Parliament Complex. The charter, a joint declaration crafted after exhaustive talks by the National Consensus Commission under Yunus’s leadership, outlines over 80 reform proposals across various sectors to reshape the nation’s future. However, the event was marred by controversy as the student-led National Citizen Party (NCP), a key ally formed with Yunus’s support, boycotted the signing, and hundreds of protesters clashed with police outside, demanding justice for the “July fighters” who toppled the previous regime.
The July Charter, signed by 25 political parties, including the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) led by former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia and Jamaat-e-Islami, aims to lay the foundation for sweeping reforms following the ousting of Sheikh Hasina’s Awami League government in August 2024. Yunus, addressing the ceremony, paid tribute to the “July fighters”—protesters who waged a violent campaign against Hasina’s regime—declaring that “the nation is indebted” to their sacrifices. The charter’s proposals range from governance and judicial reforms to economic and social restructuring, reflecting the interim government’s vision for a transformed Bangladesh. Yet, the absence of the Awami League, which was excluded from discussions and banned under an executive order, underscored the deep political divisions.
The NCP’s refusal to endorse the charter cast a shadow over the event. Convenor Nahid Islam criticized the process, alleging that the document lacked a “legal basis” and accused some parties of “frauding” the public by signing it under the guise of national consensus. The NCP, formed earlier in 2025 with Yunus’s blessings, had been a pivotal force in the anti-Hasina protests. To address their concerns, the National Consensus Commission amended the charter hours before the signing, incorporating language condemning the “fascist Awami League” and indemnifying the July fighters for their actions during the uprising. The amendments also accused law enforcement members who supported Hasina’s regime of carrying out killings, a move seen as an attempt to appease the NCP and its supporters.
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Outside the Parliament Complex, the atmosphere grew tense as hundreds of protesters gathered, demanding state recognition, legal protection, and rehabilitation for those injured or killed during the 2024 protests. Their demonstration turned chaotic when police deployed teargas, batons, and sound grenades to disperse the crowd after they refused to leave. The clashes highlighted the unresolved grievances of the July fighters, many of whom feel their sacrifices have yet to be fully acknowledged. The interim government’s decision to push forward with the charter amid such unrest has raised questions about its ability to unify the nation’s fractured political landscape.
The July Charter’s signing marks a pivotal moment for Bangladesh, coming just over a year after the violent protests that ended Hasina’s 15-year rule. With most Awami League leaders either jailed or in hiding, the interim government faces the daunting task of rebuilding trust while navigating competing demands from allies and the public. Yunus, a globally respected figure for his microfinance work, has positioned the charter as a roadmap for a democratic and inclusive Bangladesh. However, the NCP’s boycott and the protests signal challenges ahead, with critics arguing that the process lacked transparency and inclusivity.
As Bangladesh stands at a crossroads, the July Charter represents both hope and contention. Its success will depend on the interim government’s ability to address dissent, deliver on promised reforms, and heal the wounds of a turbulent year. For now, Yunus’s vision of a “new Bangladesh” remains a work in progress, with the nation watching closely to see whether the charter can unify or further divide its people.
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