The July Charter: Journalist Masood Kamal slams lack of consensus, transparency

The July National Charter, intended to unify Bangladesh through constitutional reform, has instead become a lightning rod for dissent, exposing deep divisions among political parties and raising questions about its legitimacy.

In a recent podcast, senior journalist Masood Kamal expressed profound scepticism about the charter’s future, criticising its lack of transparency, legal grounding, and genuine national consensus. “What is national consensus? With which the entire nation is united,” Kamal remarked, questioning whether the charter truly represents the will of Bangladesh’s people or merely the agreement of select political factions.

The charter seeks to rewrite Bangladesh’s historical narrative, particularly regarding the 1971 Liberation War and the July uprising. By omitting key constitutional references and principles, the document risks eroding the nation’s foundational identity, a concern that resonates deeply in a country forged through sacrifice and struggle.

The formation of the July Charter followed an arduous process. Initially, six reform commissions were established, followed by five more, culminating in the National Consensus Commission, which relied on the earlier reports. Political party leaders were subjected to extensive dialogues, which Kamal likened to “taking them on remand,” suggesting a coercive or overly protracted process.

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Despite these efforts, the final draft, set to be signed on October 17, 2025, has failed to secure universal support. Kamal highlighted that while 84 points of agreement were reached, dissenting opinions—known as “notes of dissent”—have undermined the claim of a unified national consensus.

A Question of Representation

A central critique of the July Charter is its narrow representation. Kamal pointedly asked: “Is the entire nation made up of only political parties? Is there no nation outside these political parties?” Many political groups were excluded from the process, dismissed as irrelevant by the commission. This exclusion raises doubts about whether the charter reflects the broader aspirations of Bangladeshi society. Even among invited parties, significant dissent persists.

The National Citizens Committee (NCP), which dissented on only one issue, has refused to sign the charter, citing the absence of a clear legal basis. Kamal supported their stance, noting: “The NCP’s demand to see the text first is absolutely logical.” Without transparency, the signing risks becoming a hollow formality, akin to villagers signing legal documents without understanding their implications.

The lack of a legal foundation is a critical sticking point. Kamal questioned how a government claiming to respect the Constitution could grant the charter legal status without violating the nation’s highest law. “Which country’s law is the law? The biggest law is the constitution of that country,” he stated.

Proposals to shield the charter from judicial scrutiny, as outlined in a clause barring court challenge, have further fueled concerns. Critics, including Kamal, argue that this provision undermines democratic rights, preventing citizens from seeking judicial redress for decisions affecting national governance.

Leftist Parties’ Objections

Four left-wing parties—Communist Party of Bangladesh (CPB), Bangladesh Socialist Party (BSD), BSD (Marxist), and Bangladesh JSD—have also voiced strong objections. At a press conference on October 16, 2025, these parties highlighted discrepancies between the draft and final versions of the charter. Notably, references to Article 106, which initially justified the interim government’s formation under Supreme Court guidance, were omitted from the final document.

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This selective exclusion has led to accusations of manipulation. The left-wing parties further criticised the inclusion of dissenting opinions in the final draft, despite Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus’s earlier assurance that only universally agreed-upon points would constitute consensus. “The Chief Adviser said only those issues on which all parties agree will be considered as consensus,” Kamal recalled, underscoring the betrayal of this principle.

Political Manoeuvring and Distrust

The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) has proposed a phased approach, suggesting that non-constitutional reforms be implemented immediately via presidential decrees, with constitutional changes deferred. However, this proposal has met resistance from other parties, who distrust BNP’s motives and insist on a legal foundation before any agreement.

The Islamist party Jamaat-e-Islami is also unlikely to sign, further fragmenting the process. Kamal warned that this lack of unity could transform the charter from a potential milestone into “a huge mess,” potentially creating a parallel legal framework or “second constitution” that undermines the existing Constitution.

The opaque drafting process has exacerbated tensions. Kamal questioned the qualifications of the charter’s drafters, asking: “Who wrote it? Who is this writer?” The absence of constitutional law experts or parliamentary specialists in the commission has led to a document riddled with inconsistencies, according to critics.

The refusal to share the final text with all parties before signing has further eroded trust, with the NCP’s demand for transparency echoing broader concerns about the process’s integrity.

A Troubled Path Forward

The July Charter’s contentious journey reflects deeper issues within Bangladesh’s political landscape. The commission’s extended timeline, from its formation on February 12, 2024, to its final meeting on October 9, 2025, underscores the difficulty of achieving consensus.

While 51 political parties participated over an eight-month period, the exclusion of many groups and the failure to resolve dissenting opinions have undermined the charter’s legitimacy. Kamal’s sombre reflection captures the prevailing mood: “The complex and disorganised efforts have led to a confusing and contested document.”

Kamal concluded, saying that the decisions made on October 17 will determine whether the charter can overcome its fractured beginnings or deepen Bangladesh’s divisions.