The National Consensus Commission (NCC) in its July Charter has sought firm commitments from political parties that they will not challenge the legality or necessity of the July Charter in court and that they will ensure legal and constitutional safeguards at every stage of its implementation.
The commission has also called for constitutional and state recognition of the people’s uninterrupted 16-year struggle for democracy, human rights and the rule of law, which culminated in the July uprising.
For all latest news, follow The Daily Star’s Google News channel. The final version of the charter and its implementation process have yet to be sent to the political parties, The Daily Star has learnt from people familiar with the proceedings.
In the most recent version, the three points that some political parties, including the BNP, objected to were left out.
One point stated that if the charter conflicted with existing laws or the constitution, the charter would take precedence.
Another gave the Appellate Division of the Supreme Court the authority to interpret any provision or recommendation of the charter.
A further point barred anyone from challenging the charter’s legitimacy in court.
In the recent version, the commission clearly included which parties agreed to which reform proposals and which parties gave a note of dissent.
Meanwhile, the commission held a meeting yesterday at its office in the Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban to review expert opinions on how to implement the charter.
During the meeting, the members revisited the suggestions and advice given by experts and decided to analyse the opinions submitted by political parties, with a plan to incorporate them into the charter.
Preparations for today’s scheduled meeting between the commission and different political parties on methods of implementation were also discussed.
The charter describes itself as a new political settlement born out of the July uprising in which thousands of people sacrificed their lives, endured violence and suffered immense losses.
It affirms that the document reflects the aspirations of the people and must be implemented in full as a consensus outcome achieved through a continuous process.
It further highlights that the people are the true owners of the state, and their will is the highest law.
Since democratic aspirations are expressed through political parties, the parties have collectively accepted the July Charter as a reflection of that will.
They have pledged to enshrine the charter in the constitution, either as a schedule or in another appropriate form.
The document also commits parties to ensure justice for victims of enforced disappearances, killings and torture during the 16-year struggle against authoritarian rule as well as for all killings during the July uprising.
It calls for state recognition of the martyrs, proper assistance to their families, and medical care and rehabilitation for the injured.
The charter outlines a broad framework for reforming the state structure, pledging constitutional amendments, legal changes, and the enactment of new laws where necessary to implement its decisions.
The reforms cover the constitution, judiciary, electoral system, public administration, policing and anti-corruption mechanisms.
It further stipulates that decisions that are immediately implementable must be carried out without delay by the interim government and relevant authorities.