- May 07, 2026
Staff Reporter | PNN:
The National Consensus Commission has nearly finalized its recommendations regarding the implementation of the July Charter. Among its key proposals are the issuance of a special order to hold a national referendum for implementing the Charter and the formation of an upper house in the next parliament through a proportional representation (PR) system. The recommendations are expected to be submitted today, Monday, to Chief Adviser of the Interim Government, Professor Muhammad Yunus.
Multiple commission sources stated that the proposed method for implementing the July Charter ensures that political differences or objections will not affect the referendum outcome. The referendum will be held solely on the proposed reforms outlined in the Charter, and if a majority votes “Yes,” the reforms will be implemented accordingly. In addition, if the referendum passes, a proposal may be introduced in the next parliament to form an upper chamber as part of constitutional reform.
On Sunday, the Consensus Commission held a meeting with experts to finalize the preliminary draft of its recommendations. Sources said that around 90% of the work was completed by Sunday evening. The commission is scheduled to meet again this morning to finalize the recommendations and then submit them to the Chief Adviser in the afternoon.
To begin the implementation process, a “July Charter (Constitutional Reform) Implementation Order” will be issued. Under this order, a referendum will be held, based on which the next parliament will have 270 days to implement the proposed reforms outlined in the Charter. During this period, the parliament will function both as a legislative body and a constitutional reform council.
Additionally, the commission may recommend an alternative mechanism, in which the reform proposals would first be presented as a bill, followed by a referendum based on that bill. However, this alternative proposal has not yet been finalized.
Although there are some differences regarding the date and framework of the referendum, the commission has stated that the government will finalize the schedule and context for the order. Despite disagreements among BNP, Jamaat-e-Islami, and NCP over certain reform proposals, the commission is working to reach a resolution.
The commission also clarified that if the July Charter reforms are not implemented within 270 days, there will be no punitive measures such as dissolving parliament, but positive alternatives are being considered instead.
Finally, the National Consensus Commission confirmed that it is working toward a final decision to ensure the introduction of a bicameral parliamentary system in the next parliament.
