This is for the third time in the history of Bangladesh that a charter of reforms has been presented. The first one was presented after the exit from power of President Hossain Mohammad Ershad in 1990; the second one in 2007 during the caretaker rule after the end of Khaleda Zia's term as Prime Minister; and now, in October 2025. The reforms are meant for ensuring better governance, efficient functioning of state and rule of law. Unfortunately, the first two efforts for reforms failed to materialise. The current attempt at reforms called 'July National Charter' is also being criticised, particularly by the National Citizens Party (NCP) which says that it does not address critical issues facing Bangladesh.

What is the rationale behind the July National Charter and how will it help ensure political stability, better governance, administrative and constitutional reforms and the rule of law? How can the July National Charter yield positive results without the consent of Awami League, NCP and some other political parties? These are the questions which are raised by those who are concerned about the deteriorating economy and growing political violence in Bangladesh.

The July National Charter is named after the July 2024 student uprising against the Sheikh Hasina regime. In an article "Constituent power and a pathway for implementing July Charter" published in the October 20, 2025 issue of Daily Star, Rashed Al Mahmud Titumir writes: "The much-awaited signing of the July National Charter on October 17 represents a defining moment in Bangladesh's long struggle to restore democracy.

Emerging from the popular uprising of July 2024, the........

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