Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus on Monday highlighted the importance of preserving all documents, videos, audios and photographs related to the discussions from the formation of the National Consensus Commission to the formulation of its final recommendations, describing them as invaluable assets.

“As a nation, we need to preserve and make accessible for everyone the context, process and decisions we have reached over time. All documents, including photos and videos of meetings, as well as all correspondence exchanged, should be systematically preserved and categorized. All discussions broadcast live on television should also be archived in segments,” he said.

Prof Yunus said these records would serve as living documents of history.

“Researchers should be able to access and use them. These documents will remain for generations and become central to future political discussions,” the Chief Adviser said while addressing the concluding meeting of the National Consensus Commission.

The Commission is set to submit its recommendations to the government on Tuesday at 12 noon in the presence of the members of the Council of Advisers.

These recommendations will outline ways to implement the July National Charter.

The concluding meeting was held at the State Guest House Jamuna with Prof Yunus in the chair.

Consensus Commission Vice-Chairman Professor Ali Riaz, Commission members Justice Md Emdadul Haque, Dr Iftekharuzzaman, Dr Badiul Alam Majumdar, Dr Md Ayub Miah and Special Assistant to the Chief Adviser Monir Haider were also present.

The Chief Adviser expressed gratitude to the political parties, officials and staff of the Consensus Commission, researchers, and members of the media for their cooperation.

The Commission members called on the government to take immediate steps to finalise the outline for implementing the July National Charter and to carry out the recommendations of other reform commissions.

Highlighting the Commission’s contribution, Prof Ali Riaz said it had worked to lay the foundation for a permanently accountable state in Bangladesh.

“The recommendations for implementing the July National Charter have been finalized through discussions with political parties, legal experts, judges, academics, and prominent civil society representatives,” he said.

Prof Ali Riaz said the interim government formed through the July Uprising bears three core responsibilities - trial, reform and election - and that the Commission’s primary role was to design the framework for these reforms.

“Despite differences, the desire for reform was visible across political parties. They cooperated with us fully, participating in the dialogues with patience and prudence day after day,” he added.

Prof Riaz urged that the opportunity created by the July 24 mass uprising should not be wasted. “The Commission prioritised reform so that the people can witness the changes they desire in the future,” he said.

The term of the Commission will end on October 31. “Even after that, if the government requires our support, we will continue to extend our personal cooperation as citizens,” Prof Riaz added.

Commission member Dr Badiul Alam Majumdar said the nation now expects strong commitment and courage from the government in implementing the July National Charter.

“So many lives were lost and so many were injured in the mass uprising. Keeping this in mind, necessary reforms must be ensured. Let us not lose this opportunity,” he said.

Justice Md Emdadul Haque said the spirit of unity among political parties during the mass uprising was reflected in the Commission’s meetings. “This is a very positive sign.”

Dr Safar Raj observed that, for the first time, political parties engaged in patient and constructive dialogue. “We hope this cordiality continues in the future,” he said.

Dr Iftekharuzzaman urged the government to take decisive steps not only in implementing the July Charter but also in reforming the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC).

Monir Haider said families of the martyrs believe their sacrifices would be in vain if reforms are not realized. “Those who gave their lives in July are the very foundation of this movement,” he said.