Parties given two more days to submit feedback on July charter draft

Consensus Commission plans fresh round of talks with the political parties at month-end

Political parties have been given two more days to send their feedback on the consolidated draft of the July Charter, also known as the National Charter, prepared through a series of reform dialogues.

The National Consensus Commission had originally asked for feedback within Aug 20, but parties will now be able to submit their views within Aug 22.

On Wednesday evening, Paban Chowdhury, the commission’s public relations officer, told bdnews24.com that feedback would be accepted until 3pm on that day.

Speaking to bdnews24.com earlier, Commission Vice-Chairman Ali Riaz said fresh discussions with parties would be held on Aug 26–27, during the final week of the month, after feedback is received.

The consolidated draft proposes that the Charter be implemented through “constitutional and legal mechanisms”, and that it should not be open to challenge in court.

The panel is seeking formal commitments from political parties on these points, as the draft represents what it calls the outcome of extensive discussions following a shift in the political landscape.

It also proposes that the Charter’s provisions, proposals and recommendations take precedence over any existing clauses in the Constitution or other laws that may contradict them.

Eight such pledges are included in the draft sent to parties by the Consensus Commission on Aug 16.

In addition, the charter recommends that proposals deemed immediately actionable should be implemented without delay -- ideally before the general election.

To ensure legal safeguards and full implementation of the charter, the commission, which has been working on state reform issues, is asking parties to commit to these principles in advance.

Alongside the participating political parties, members of the commission itself are expected to sign the much-discussed document.