High Court to Deliver Verdict on July National Charter Validity Today
On Monday, a double bench comprising Justice Razik-Al-Jalil and Justice Md. Anwarul Islam concluded hearings from both the petitioner and the state, setting today for the final decision on whether the charter and its associated referendum align with the Constitution of Bangladesh.
The legal challenge was initiated by Supreme Court lawyer Dr. Yunus Ali Akhand, who filed the public interest litigation on February 18. The petition seeks to declare the charter unconstitutional and stay its implementation, arguing that the national referendum held under this charter violates Articles 31, 65, and 123 of the Constitution. The petitioner contends that bypassing the established legislative process to reform the state's basic structure via a referendum lacks valid legal foundation.
Background of the July National Charter: The "July National Charter" is a landmark political document signed on October 17, 2025, by the interim government and 32 political parties and alliances following the student-led mass uprising of 2024. It serves as a blueprint for fundamental state reforms, including:
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The introduction of a bicameral parliament with a proportional representation system for the Upper House.
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A two-term limit (maximum 10 years) for the office of the Prime Minister.
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Enhanced powers for the President and the reinstatement of the Caretaker Government system for elections.
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Guaranteed independence for the judiciary and the creation of a Judicial Appointments Commission.
The legal dispute reached its peak after the February 12, 2026 referendum, where approximately 68% of voters approved the charter’s implementation. If the High Court upholds the charter today, it will pave the way for the newly elected parliament to act as a Constituent Assembly to formally embed these 30-plus reform proposals into the Constitution. Conversely, a stay order could stall the transition process and create a significant constitutional vacuum during the formation of the new government.
