Dhaka, Oct 19 (V7N) — The Gono Forum has officially signed the July Charter, joining a total of 25 political parties that have endorsed the document aimed at shaping a reformed and inclusive political future for Bangladesh.

The signing ceremony took place on Sunday (October 19) at the LD Hall of the National Parliament Building.

Following the signing, Subrata Chowdhury, the acting president of Gono Forum, said that the four founding principles of 1972—nationalism, socialism, democracy, and secularism—would have already fulfilled the ideals of the July Charter if they had been properly upheld.

He stated, “Gono Forum decided to sign the July Charter after receiving assurances that the Declaration of Independence will be amended to reflect the spirit of national unity and reform. It is now everyone’s responsibility to implement the government’s commitment to build a new Bangladesh.”

Dr. Ali Riaz, Vice President of the Consensus Commission, praised Gono Forum’s participation, noting that the party has been deeply engaged in Bangladesh’s state-building process and will continue to play a significant role in the new state reforms envisioned in the charter.

He emphasized, “Every political party is a key partner in the July Charter. This document is not solely the property of the Consensus Commission—it is a collective political commitment of all participating forces.”

Dr. Riaz also urged the parties that have not yet joined to sign the document, stressing the importance of unity in achieving the charter’s goals.

So far, the National Citizens Party (NCP), Communist Party of Bangladesh (CPB), Bangladesh Socialist Party (BSD), BSD (Marxist), and Bangladesh Jatiya Samajtantrik Dal (JSD) have not yet signed the July Charter.

END/SMA/AJ