Chief Adviser (CA) Prof Muhammad Yunus has expressed the hope that the government will be able to prepare a comprehensive 'July Charter', based on the consensus of all political parties, and present it to the nation next month, reports UNB.
"The students who led and participated in the July Uprising have announced plans to issue a July Declaration. They invited me to be part of it. I suggested that it would be more meaningful if the declaration is issued jointly-by all political leaders, representatives of civil society and others," he said in a televised address to the nation on Friday evening.
He emphasised that the July Charter would serve as a unified national commitment, reflecting the shared vision of political forces and the proposals recommended by the Reform Commission.
"This Charter is a promise," he said, adding, "It will include a list of reform proposals, agreed upon by all parties, aimed at building a welfare-oriented state. By signing it, the parties will pledge to implement these reforms."
Prof Yunus reiterated the government's commitment to initiating and carrying forward the necessary reforms outlined in the charter.
"We are committed to implementing the urgent reforms as per the July Charter," he stated. "We also intend to begin work on other key initiatives, which we hope the elected government will carry forward."
Highlighting the significance of national unity and reform, he said they must move forward with resolve and unity. There is no alternative.
"Through implementation of the Charter, we will present a new, cohesive image of Bangladesh to the world-one that reflects our strength and solidarity as a nation."
He also lauded the establishment of the Consensus Commission, calling it a courageous and unprecedented initiative.
"No other country has seen such a model. Through this, we have discovered new political depth as a nation," he said.
Prof Yunus praised the intensive engagement of all political parties with the commission.
"Their group-wise preparations, lengthy and intense discussions-aired live on national television-and unwavering efforts to achieve consensus will remain a landmark moment in our political history," he noted.
"On behalf of the nation, I thank all political parties for their patience, cooperation, and courtesy. I hope they will soon finalise their remaining work and present a complete July Charter that sets a lasting direction for the country."
Trashing the propaganda on so-called corridor to Rakhine, CA said this is completely a lie and they will continue their efforts to resolve the Rohingya crisis as their repatriation is the only solution.
"We have noticed that a propaganda is being spread that Bangladesh has provided a corridor for Rakhine. I am saying clearly, this is a complete lie," he said. Talking about the propaganda on corridor, Prof Yunus said this is a story to be told with a grain of saltband this is the work of those who are constantly misleading the people of Bangladesh by making false stories and creating unrest.
"You should be careful about this. Do not be misled in any way. Despite this propaganda, we will not deviate from our goal. We will continue our work to solve this complex problem," said the CA.
UN Secretary-General António Guterres, during his visit to Dhaka in March last year, proposed a relief channel to deal with the humanitarian disaster in Rakhine State.
Guterres said this proposal would be helpful in the repatriation of the Rohingyas.
"The matter still remains at the proposal stage," Prof Yunus said.
He said when they took office, they found the Rohingya issue almost dead. "The issue had fallen off the international agenda."
From that situation, Prof Yunus said they were able to bring the issue to the forefront of the world's attention.
Prof Yunus had called for an international conference on the Rohingya issue at the UN General Assembly in September last year.
