Published : 18 Oct 2025, 02:41 AM
Updated : 21 Aug 2026, 02:36 PM
Chief Advisor Muhammad Yunus has described the signing of the July National Charter 2025 as a “rebirth” for Bangladesh.
The signing ceremony took place on Friday afternoon at the South Plaza of the parliament.
A total of 25 political parties that participated in the National Consensus Commission’s dialogue on state reform signed the agreement alongside the chief advisor and commission members.
After signing the Charter, Yunus expressed gratitude to the Almighty and described the moment as historic.
He said the event marked “a new beginning” where the entire nation and political leaders united to sign the July Charter.
Referring to the unprecedented political consensus amid differences, Yunus said, “It is an astonishing event. The entire country saw how political parties did not just sit together, but engaged in honest discussions.
“They talked deeply, with knowledge and goodwill. It would be unbelievable if one hadn’t seen it.”
He added, “Everyone witnessed the live broadcast. Everyone heard it and took part mentally. The whole nation was involved in this dialogue.”
Acknowledging the gradual consensus among the parties, Yunus thanked the members of the interim government, as well as the commission’s vice-chairman and members, for “making the impossible possible”.
“They will be immortalised in history; their names will remain forever,” Yunus added.
The 2024 Uprising created a desire for change and a window of opportunity for reform in Bangladesh.
It was this momentum that prompted leaders of the July movement to demand the Charter by the end of last year.
Although the National Citizen Party (NCP), formed by those leaders, participated in the dialogue, it did not attend the signing ceremony, citing “unclear” legal grounds for the Charter’s implementation.
Four left-wing parties also refused to sign the Charter over objections related to historical accuracy and changes to constitutional principles.
These parties are the Communist Party of Bangladesh (CPB), Bangladesh Socialist Party (BaSad), BaSad (Marxist), and Bangladesh JaSad.
The remaining 25 parties present at the dialogue signed the document, committing to implement the proposed reforms.
Yunus described the day as “historic and awe-inspiring”.
“Thinking about it sends shivers down the spine. This is not only for the nation but will stand as a major example worldwide. It will be included in many textbooks.”
Congratulating the politicians for this achievement, he recalled those who made the opportunity possible and the heroes of the July Uprising.
“The nation remains eternally grateful to them,” he added.
He outlined how the Charter heralds change for the country. “[On Friday], we signed together what will change Bangladesh. This change became possible because of that mass uprising. This is the second part. Because of that, we got this opportunity.”
The interim prime minister said the Charter replaces old ideas with new ones in national life, constitutional amendments, and government operations.
“Many elements are part of this change. It will now lead us forward. We will move ahead on this path. For us, today is a rebirth. Our rebirth has happened. Through this signing, we have launched the new Bangladesh. We must follow the right path and not deviate,” Yunus added.
Calling for unity and smooth governance, he urged all to move forward together.
He said, “Those who gave their lives for this change from every corner of the country, the youth will build Bangladesh, lead it, and show the way. This country belongs to the young.”
Highlighting that half of the population is under 27 years old, Yunus called youth the country’s greatest asset.
“There is a shortage of youth worldwide, but the world is looking at Bangladesh. Not just Bangladesh, the youth here have the chance to change the world,” he said.
Describing the Charter as a “great achievement”, Yunus said: “We have moved from barbarism to civilisation. We lived in a savage world without laws. Now, we have come to civilisation. We will build a civilisation that people will marvel at.”
Speaking about the potential of using Bay of Bengal resources, Yunus said: “If the ports in Matarbari, Cox’s Bazar, and Maheshkhali are developed together, the entire area will become a new Singapore. People from all countries will come here.”
He added, “Many countries will come to learn from the Charter we signed today. We must feel that we are a great nation.”
On the national election scheduled for February, the chief advisor said: “We have set the tune today, and we will head to the election with the tune of unity.
“We will go to the election with the tune of unity. The election will happen in February, and this unity must continue. Please hold your discussions and form a charter about politics and elections,” he added.
