Bangladesh’s Attorney General, Md. Asaduzzaman, has stated that the July Charter is a political settlement that is more transparent, well-structured, and precise than any previous settlement. This charter will remain a memorable milestone in the annals of law. He warned that if we fail to implement the July Charter, we will be remembered by future generations as cowardly and timid.
Speaking at a shadow parliament organized by Debate for Democracy on the implementation of the July Charter to protect democracy, held at the FDC on Saturday (October 18, 2025), the Attorney General made these remarks. The event was chaired by Hasan Ahmed Chowdhury Kiron, Chairman of Debate for Democracy.
The Attorney General emphasized, “While there are challenges in implementing this charter, they are surmountable. Debating the July Charter would be a futile controversy. It is not the Quran or the Bible that it cannot be amended. If we adopt the narrative of the defeated forces of July 36 and attempt to derail the July Charter, the country will regress.”
He further noted, “The 1972 Constitution was heavily amended by authoritarian regimes, undermining the rule of law and stripping people of their voting rights. If the aspirations of the July uprising are realized, the people will regain their right to vote. The trials for the July killings will proceed through a natural process and will not be obstructed in any way. The processes for prosecuting the disappearances and murders committed by past fascist regimes have already been initiated at the state level, arguments are ongoing, and we now await the verdicts. The commitment to the July spirit is the cornerstone of these trials.”
In his speech, Hasan Ahmed Chowdhury Kiron, Chairman of Debate for Democracy, said, “The July Charter is a historic document for the nation. The future of Bangladesh depends on its implementation. We cannot allow the July Charter to fail. If it fails, there is a risk that fascist forces will rise again. The country could face instability, political stability would be undermined, and law and order would suffer significant negative impacts. Efforts to restore lost democracy and voting rights would be obstructed. This document reflects the long-standing aspirations of the Bangladeshi people for justice, voting rights, democracy, freedom, and dignity. Implementing this charter will dismantle authoritarian structures.” He added, “The signing of the July Charter has made the roadmap for the national election in February clearer, dispelling concerns about its organization. However, without good governance and accountability, elections alone cannot bring about a change in the authoritarian system. The July Charter will be regarded by the people as a national commitment by political parties—a commitment through which political parties will rise above partisan interests, relinquish the greed for power, and work for the welfare of the people. If the future Bangladesh is not guided by the implementation of the July Charter, it will be an injustice to the nation. Political parties that fail to implement the July Charter may face rejection by the people in the future.”
In the shadow parliament organized by Debate for Democracy titled “Implementing the July Charter Will Protect Democracy,” debaters from Presidency University emerged victorious, defeating the team from Bangladesh Maritime University. The judges for the competition were Professor Abu Muhammad Rais, Dr. Tajul Islam Chowdhury Tuhin, journalist Hasan Jabed, journalist Moniruzzaman Mission, and journalist Maidur Rahman Rubel. At the conclusion of the competition, participating teams were awarded trophies, crests, and certificates.
