Yunus pronounces ‘beginning of latest Bangladesh’ with signing of July Charter

Bangladesh’s interim authorities chief Muhammad Yunus on Friday (October 17, 2025) stated a “new Bangladesh” was born with the signing of a joint declaration known as the July Charter at a ceremony boycotted by his key ally, student-led National Citizen Party (NCP).

The constitution, drafted after marathon talks between the interim government-instituted National Consensus Commission headed by Yunus, and political events, comprises over 80 reform proposals for various sectors.

“It’s the beginning of a brand new Bangladesh,” stated Mr. Yunus, as leaders of various political events signed the doc at a ceremony at Parliament Complex.

The chief adviser’s press wing stated 25 events together with former prime minister Khaleda Zia’s Bangladesh Nationalist Party, and Jamaat-e-Islami, signed it.

The student-led NCP, floated this yr with Mr. Yunus’ blessings, declined to signal the constitution, alleging that it was signed with out making certain “authorized foundation”.

The celebration’s convenor Nahid Islam on Thursday (October 16) stated some political events are signing the doc within the identify of (nationwide) consensus by “frauding” the folks.

At the ceremony, Mr. Yunus stated that “the nation is indebted to the July fighters”, a reference to the protestors who waged a violent road marketing campaign that ousted the then-prime minister Sheikh Hasina’s Awami League authorities in August 2024.

Hours forward of the signing ceremony, the National Consensus Commission declared that it introduced an modification to a clause of the constitution indemnifying the “July fighters” for his or her function through the rebellion.

Reportedly to appease the NCP, the amended draft additionally integrated the phrases “fascist Awami League” and accused members of regulation enforcement companies who carried out killings to help the ousted regime.

Awami League was not a part of the discussions because the interim authorities had disbanded its actions beneath an govt order till its leaders have been tried. Most of the Awami League leaders are in jail or on the run at dwelling and overseas.

Ahead of the constitution’s signing, lots of of protesters gathered in entrance of the signing ceremony’s stage, demanding state recognition, authorized safety and rehabilitation for these injured through the demonstrations final yr that ousted Hasina.

Police fired teargas and used batons and sound grenades to disperse the protesters after they refused to vacate the realm.