Confusing campaign surrounding July charter, declaration: Akhtar Hossain

Akhtar Hossain, Member Secretary of the National Citizens' Party (NCP), has claimed that a misleading campaign is underway regarding the July Charter and the July Declaration.

He stated that the July Charter and the July Declaration are two distinct documents, and the deliberate conflation of the two may be part of a politically motivated campaign aimed at undermining the NCP’s position.

Speaking to reporters during a tea break on the 22nd day of ongoing political dialogue with the National Consensus Commission on Wednesday (July 30), Akhtar made these remarks.

He explained that the July Declaration is a historical recognition of last year’s July–August mass uprising and the victory of August 5, and therefore needs a legal foundation. “It is a historic document,” he said. On the other hand, the July Charter outlines an actionable framework of reform proposals discussed in the Commission based on political consensus.

“We do not want an ineffective, incomplete, and reform-less July Charter that will go down in history like the vague frameworks of the three parties in the past,” he said. “The Charter must be effective, comprehensive, legally binding, and immediately implementable.”

Referring to the draft of the Commission, Akhtar noted that it mentions a two-year implementation period, which the NCP strongly rejects. “We believe such a delayed timeline opens the door for deception and betrays the people’s expectations,” he said.

Regarding the July Declaration, Akhtar emphasized, “We will not compromise even an inch. If the government fails to issue the Declaration by the 36th of July, the NCP, along with all anti-fascist forces in the country, will issue it ourselves.”

He added that while the government has shared a draft, the NCP has also submitted a mature version of its own and remains engaged in discussions. “However, no significant progress is yet visible,” he noted.

Akhtar further stated that if the government is sincere and coordinates with other political parties, it is possible to issue a complete, legally and constitutionally grounded Declaration by the 36th of July.

“Our brothers sacrificed their lives in the mass uprising,” he said. “We want that sacrifice to be reflected in a July Declaration based on real and concrete grounds.”