July charter will safeguard citizens’ rights

The July charter, being prepared through dialogue with all stakeholders by the National Consensus Commission, will undoubtedly safeguard the rights of all citizens, Prof Ali Riaz, the commission vice-chairman, said yesterday.

"A democratic state cannot be built, nor can human dignity be upheld, without guaranteeing the rights of all citizens," Prof Riaz told a discussion between the United People's Democratic Front (UPDF) and the commission at the LD Hall of the parliament.

He said, "Only a democratic state can ensure the rights of its citizens, establish the rule of law, and deliver justice to the people through an independent judiciary."

Therefore, the commission believes that the charter, which is being prepared incorporating the opinions of all political parties, will safeguard the rights of all citizens in the coming days, he said.

A four-member UPDF team was led by Dhaka region organiser Mikel Chakma. Others are party member Sunayan Chakma, Democratic Youth Forum President Zico Tripura, and Greater Chittagong Hill Tracts Student Council President Amal Tripura.

So far, 28 political parties, including the UPDF, have taken part in talks with the National Consensus Commission.