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long democratic struggle in Bangladesh since independence and reflected people’s aspirations for a more accountable and representative state.

He said the reform proposals under the July Charter are not final solutions but steps toward gradual change.

He stressed that reforms should be implemented through a Constitutional Reform Council rather than through constitutional amendments alone.

“If reforms are done only through amendments, they will not be sustainable. Future governments or courts could overturn them,” he said.

Mia Golam Parwar, secretary general of Jamaat-e-Islami, accused the ruling BNP of speaking about implementing the July Charter while avoiding commitment to a referendum reflecting the people’s mandate.

Mamunul Haque, ameer of Bangladesh Khelafat Majlis, called for unconditional implementation of constitutional reforms.

Mojibur Rahman Bhuiyan Monju, chairman of AB Party, warned that some of BNP’s economic policies could lead to authoritarian tendencies.

Political scientist Dilara Chowdhury cautioned that rolling back reforms outlined in the July Charter could push the country toward authoritarian rule.

In a session on economic restructuring, M Masrur Reaz, chairman and CEO of Policy Exchange Bangladesh, pointed to weaknesses in governance and revenue reforms.

Fahim Masrur, CEO of bdjobs.com, said more than half of educated youth aged 21–35 remain unemployed.

Former DCCI president Shams Mahmud warned that shrinking private-sector credit due to heavy government borrowing could slow investment and economic growth.

In another session on rights and freedoms, NCP spokesperson Asif Mahmud Shojib Bhuyain said although media ownership has changed since August 5, 2024, genuine media freedom has not been ensured due to the lack of an adequate legal framework.

“Those who supported fascism are now being celebrated as heroes, though they should have faced stricter consequences,” he said.

Rights activist Nabila Idris raised concerns over recent arrests related to online criticism of the government.

Journalist Zyma Islam said Media Reform Commission had proposed the creation of an independent Media Commission. Under this framework, if any journalist faced political pressure from their office, they could lodge a complaint. Likewise, if any member of the public suffered due to dishonest journalism, they too could seek justice.

However, after the proposal was drafted into law, it never saw the light of day, she added.

Barrister Sara Hossain expressed concern over shrinking access to bail and broader legal protections.