Vice Chair of the National Consensus Commission, Professor Ali Riaz, on Sunday reaffirmed his confidence that the long-anticipated National Charter would be finalised by July 31.

“We believe we’ll be able to prepare a National Charter by July 31. We still have that confidence and belief,” Prof Riaz told reporters following the 15th day of the second-round reform dialogue at Foreign Service Academy in Dhaka.

Earlier in the morning, families of those killed or injured during the July 2024 mass uprising formed a peaceful human chain outside the venue. One of their key demands was the announcement of the July Charter within this month.

“We express our sincere solidarity with this programme,” said Prof Riaz, adding that the commission conveyed its respect and sympathy to those affected by the uprising.

He said work on the July Charter has been ongoing since February and consensus has already been achieved on several crucial points during the first and second rounds of dialogue with political parties.

“We expect that in the remaining days of dialogue, agreement will also be reached on a few more fundamental matters. This would enable us to prepare the National Charter within the month of July,” he said.