Dhaka, Oct. 18 -- The historic signing of the July National Charter, meant to symbolize a new political beginning for Bangladesh after the fall of the long-entrenched fascist regime, unfolded on Friday under clouds of discord, protest, and exclusion.
The ceremony, held at the South Plaza of the Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban, was attended by representatives of 25 political parties.
Yet conspicuously absent was the National Citizen Party (NCP) - the principal political group born out of the July 2024 uprising, whose members led the street revolt that ended nearly 17 years of autocratic rule.
The NCP's boycott has cast a shadow over what organizers had hoped would be a moment of national unity.
"The signing of this so-called National Charter is a ...