Attorney General (AG) Md Asaduzzaman today said the July National Charter is a political settlement which is more transparent, structured and specific than any previous settlement.

"This July National Charter will remain as a memorable chapter in the arena of law," he told an event titled "Implementation of the July Charter for the Protection of Democracy" at the Bangladesh Film Development Corporation (BFDC) in the capital.

Debate for Democracy organized the "shadow parliament" event with its Chairman Hasan Ahmed Chowdhury Kiron in the chair.

"If we fail to implement the July Charter, we will be remembered by the next generation as timid cowards. Although there are challenges in implementing this charter, these can be overcome," he said.

The Attorney General said, "If we try to derail the July Charter by accepting the narrative of the defeated forces of the July movement, the country will fall behind." 

The Constitution of '72 was distorted by autocratic governments who undermined the rule of law and took away people's voting rights, he said. 

If the dream of the July uprising is realized, the people will regain their right to vote. The trial of the July killings will also proceed naturally and will not be obstructed in any way, he added.

Md Asaduzzaman said all necessary processes have already been initiated to try the enforced disappearances and killings committed by the past fascist regime. 

"Arguments are ongoing and now we await the verdict. The pledge of the July spirit is the very foundation of these trials," he added. 

Debate for Democracy Chairman Hasan Ahmed Chowdhury Kiron said the July Charter is a historic document of the nation. The future of Bangladesh depends on its implementation, he said adding the July Charter must not be allowed to fail, because if it does, there is a risk that fascist forces may rise again.

In the debate competition, debaters from Presidency University defeated their counterpart from Bangladesh Maritime University.

The judges of the competition were Professor Abu Muhammad Rais, Dr. Tajul Islam Chowdhury Tuhin, journalists Hasan Zaved, Moniruzzaman Mishon and Maidur Rahman Rubel. 

After the competition, the participating teams were awarded trophies, crests and certificates.