No way to exit July charter: Chief Adviser

Chief Adviser Professor Dr Muhammad Yunus has stated that there is no way to exit the July charter. He said, “The path of consensus we have embarked upon offers no opportunity to turn back. Consensus must be reached. I may be speaking with firmness, but there is no way to discard this statement. The uprising of students and the public has provided us with an opportunity for a new beginning. The only solution is to follow the path of consensus and build a new Bangladesh.”

He made the remarks on Sunday (September 14) at the Foreign Service Academy in the capital on the second day of the third phase of the dialogue between the National Consensus Commission and political parties regarding the implementation of the July charter.

Dr Yunus said, “There may be various arguments, but we must remain on the path of resolution. Many may feel discomfort, but peace will follow, and the country will achieve peace. National peace is the greatest peace. If we stuck within controversy, it could explode at any time.”

The Chief Adviser added that he had watched the statements given by politicians at the Commission meetings on television. He recalled that when the Commission was first formed, he was uncertain of the outcome, but after traversing a long path, he has been deeply impressed.

Dr Yunus expressed hope that the work of the National Consensus Commission will set a global precedent. He said, “Let it not become a flawed precedent. You have completed the core work; now only a small path remains. Everything depends on the final stage.”

Addressing the politicians, he said, “You have traversed a long path. Complete the remaining journey smoothly and set an example for the world. The problem being addressed is not only relevant to our country; similar initiatives have started in Nepal, and in the future, other countries will face such challenges. Therefore, everyone will watch our path to resolution closely.”

Dr Yunus referred to the upcoming elections in early February as a ‘grand festival’ and stated, “If the elections are conducted properly, it will mark the true rebirth of the nation. Through the uprising of students and the public, we can transform the world. Now the opportunity is in our hands—we must focus on the main task rather than get stuck in minor issues.”

Highlighting the necessity of reform, he said, “All paths for the return of fascism must be blocked. Everyone must work in agreement. There is no room for disagreement. Only then will the elections be successful.”

Dr Yunus added, “New roads and highways have been laid out for the country. The elections will be held in the first half of February. This will provide security for the nation and allow other countries to learn from us.”

The session was presided over by the Commission’s Vice-Chairman Professor Ali Riaz. The proceedings were conducted by the Chief Adviser’s Special Assistant Monir Haider. Statements were made by Law Adviser Asif Nazrul, BNP Standing Committee member Salahuddin Ahmed, Jamaat Assistant Secretary General Hamidur Rahman Azad, and NCP Member Secretary Akhtar Hossain.