Parties can sign July Charter later if unable tomorrow: Ali Riaz

National Consensus Commission Vice President Prof Ali Riaz today said any party involved in the talks but unable to sign the July National Charter at tomorrow's ceremony would still have the opportunity to sign it later.

He described the National Citizen Party's announcement -- that it would not sign the charter without first reviewing the draft implementation order -- as "unfortunate."

Speaking at a press briefing at the LD Hall of the Jatiya Sangsad, ahead of the signing ceremony, Prof Riaz said the charter was prepared based on consensus reached on 84 issues, including notes of dissent.

"The charter will be signed on Friday (tomorrow)," he said, expressing hope that leaders of all parties involved in the discussion process would be present at the ceremony.

By signing the charter, he said, parties would help move the process forward to the next stage.

Prof Riaz also clarified that the implementation proposal would be submitted to the government only after the charter is signed.

He said the commission will provide a clear, specific, and comprehensive recommendation for implementing the July National Charter to the interim government by October 31.

Prof Riaz added that all preparations have been made to hold the signing ceremony at the South Plaza of the National Parliament complex.

Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus, who is also chairman of the Consensus Commission, will be the chief guest at the programme.

Formed in mid-February, the Consensus Commission was tasked with reviewing and adopting proposals from six major reform bodies covering the constitution, judiciary, electoral system, Anti-Corruption Commission, and public administration.

After two rounds of discussions with political parties, the Consensus Commission drafted 84 proposals, half involving constitutional reforms. BNP and its like-minded parties had issued note of dissents on at least nine issues.