Description

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Picture Courtesy: THEHINDU

Context

Bangladesh adopted the "July National Charter," a political reform initiative by Nobel laureate Dr. Muhammad Yunus.

Read all about: India-Bangladesh Cooperation

What is the July Charter?

The July Charter (also referred to as the July Declaration) is a political accord and a proposed constitutional document designed to reshape Bangladesh's system of governance.

It aims to grant official recognition to the 2024 student-led uprising and chart a roadmap for a more democratic, accountable, and inclusive state, often referred to as the "Second Republic."

Charter's origins lie in the mass protests that erupted in July 2024.

Trigger: The movement, initially led by the student group Students Against Discrimination (SAD), began as a protest against job quota policies.
Escalation: It evolved into a nationwide uprising against the authoritarianism of the ruling Awami League government.
Outcome: Resignation and flight of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on August 5, 2024, leading to the formation of an interim government led by Dr. Muhammad Yunus.

Objectives of the July Charter

The charter was drafted by a National Consensus Commission, established by Dr. Yunus. Its core objectives are:

Constitutional Recognition: To legalize the July Uprising as a popular democratic revolution.
National Unification: Unite the nation with anti-fascism, democratic resurgence, and inclusive governance.
Comprehensive State Reform: To establish a framework for comprehensive reforms in the constitution, judiciary, administration, and electoral systems.

Key Features and Reform Proposals of the July Charter

The charter outlines over 80 reform proposals and a seven-point implementation commitment, with key proposals including:

Limiting Executive Power: Introducing a two-term limit for the office of the Prime Minister.
Strengthening Parliament: Proposing a bicameral legislature (a lower house and an upper house or Senate) and amending rules to allow Members of Parliament more freedom to vote against their party line.
Ensuring Electoral Integrity: Restoring the neutral caretaker government system to oversee elections.
Promoting Inclusivity: Formally recognizing Bangladesh as a multi-ethnic and multi-religious nation.
Indemnifying Protestors: Granting legal protection to the "July fighters" who participated in the 2024 uprising.

Controversies Surrounding the Signing

Boycott by Student Leaders (NCP)

The NCP, formed by July Uprising student leaders and initially backed by Dr. Yunus, rejected the charter, noting lack of "legal basis".

Exclusion of the Awami League

The Awami League, the former ruling party, was excluded from consensus talks after the interim government disbanded its activities and jailed or exiled its leaders, threatening the charter's national acceptance and sustainability.

Conclusion

The July Charter, despite broad support, faces challenges from student boycotts and a key party's exclusion, impacting its goal to reform Bangladesh's politics post-uprising. Its ratification via referendum or parliament is vital for long-term reform.

Source: THEHINDU

Attempt Daily Quiz

PRACTICE QUESTION

Q. Which of the following statements regarding the July Charter of Bangladesh is/are correct?

It calls for the establishment of a democratic government.
The charter was a direct result of a military coup.

Which of the above statements is/are correct?

A) 1 only

B) 2 only

C) Both 1 and 2

D) Neither 1 nor 2

Answer: A

Explanation:

Statement 1 is correct: The July Charter emerged from Bangladesh's 2024 mass protests and regime change, aiming to establish democratic, transparent, and fair governance through constitutional, electoral, and administrative reforms.

Statement 2 is incorrect: Anti-government protests, led by students against job quotas, led to Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's resignation and the formation of an interim government under Muhammad Yunus.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

The July Charter is a political declaration that emerged from the July-August 2024 mass protests in Bangladesh. It details a plan for constitutional, electoral, and administrative reforms and represents an agreement between political parties and the interim government after the previous government's removal.

The July Charter proposes over 80 governance reforms, including strengthening checks and balances between branches of government, electoral, judicial, public administration, and anti-corruption reforms, a two-term limit for prime ministers, and expanded presidential powers.