Chief Adviser and head of the National Consensus Commission Professor Muhammad Yunus on Wednesday expressed optimism that the signing ceremony of the July National Charter 2025 will turn into a moment of national celebration, marking a new chapter in Bangladesh’s democratic journey.

“You have made possible what once seemed impossible,” he said while addressing a meeting of the National Consensus Commission at the Foreign Service Academy in Dhaka. “We will join the ceremony on Friday in a festive mood and sign the Charter. This is our hope—and we will spread that spirit across the whole nation,” he added, reaffirming that the next national election will be held in February as planned.

The July National Charter 2025—set to be signed on October 17 at the South Plaza of the Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban—represents a historic political consensus among major parties on the framework for electoral reforms, good governance, and the peaceful transition of power. The Charter includes commitments to ensure free and fair elections, decentralised administration, judicial independence, and the institutionalisation of democratic checks and balances.

Extending his heartfelt gratitude to the political leaders and members of the Commission, Prof Yunus said, “This marks the conclusion of a major chapter in our reform journey, and the beginning of a new one.”

He also stressed that the upcoming national election will be conducted in a festive and inclusive manner. “We will do everything necessary to make that happen. We will not compromise on this,” he asserted, expressing confidence in a smooth and credible transition of power.

The Chief Adviser held a series of discussions with political leaders during the meeting, which was attended by Commission Vice-Chairman Professor Ali Riaz, National Security Adviser Dr Khalilur Rahman, and Principal Secretary to the Chief Adviser M Siraz Uddin Miah, among others.

Professor Yunus said the July Charter would be remembered globally as a landmark achievement in political consensus-building. “This Charter is not only a milestone in Bangladesh’s political history but also a remarkable example in the world’s political systems—where dialogue has turned into concrete solutions,” he noted.

“People will always remember this unbelievable progress,” he added. “As a citizen of this country, I am deeply proud.”

Calling the Charter “a great national asset,” Prof Yunus said it reflects the shared aspirations of all political stakeholders to move beyond confrontation toward cooperation. “The nation will remember everyone’s contribution to this effort with due respect,” he said.

Earlier, the National Consensus Commission on Tuesday sent the final version of the July National Charter 2025 to participating political parties, seeking their written commitment to implement the agreed reforms in full.

Later in the evening, another session of the Commission was held at the State Guest House Jamuna, chaired by Prof Yunus, where final preparations for Friday’s signing ceremony were reviewed.

The Chief Adviser concluded by expressing hope that Friday’s event would mark “a day written in golden letters” in Bangladesh’s history. “This is not just a ceremony—it is a celebration of national unity, of hope, and of a new beginning,” he said.