NCC consults experts on making July Charter legally binding

The National Consensus Commission (NCC) has opened formal consultations with legal and constitutional experts to explore ways of making the July National Charter legally binding, in a move aimed at shaping the country’s post-crisis political framework.

The July National Charter — a consensus document endorsed by political parties, civil society representatives, and reform advocates — outlines governance reforms, accountability measures, and a roadmap for democratic transition following the political upheaval earlier this year. However, it currently carries no legal force, raising questions over its implementation.

On Sunday, the NCC held a high-level meeting at the LD Hall of the National Parliament Building to examine constitutional mechanisms for enforcing the charter’s provisions.

Participants included retired Supreme Court justices MA Matin and Mainul Islam Chowdhury; Professor Mohammad Ikramul Haque, dean of Dhaka University’s Faculty of Law; Supreme Court Senior Advocate Dr Sharif Bhuiyan; and barristers Tanim Hossain Shawon and Imran Siddique.

NCC Vice-Chairman Prof Dr Ali Riaz, along with members Justice Md Emdadul Haque, Dr Iftekharuzzaman, Dr Badiul Alam Majumder, Safar Raj Hossain, and Dr Md Ayub Mia, represented the commission. Monir Haidar, special assistant to the chief adviser, also attended.

The NCC is expected to present its legal recommendations in the coming weeks, potentially paving the way for parliamentary action or constitutional amendment.