Parties Divided Over Signing July Charter, BNP Moves Ahead

Several political parties, including Jamaat-e-Islami, National Citizen Party (NCP), and Islami Andolan Bangladesh, have yet to decide on endorsing the July Charter, citing the need for a clear legal framework before committing. They argue that without such a foundation, signing the charter would yield little meaningful result.

Meanwhile, the BNP and several other parties have confirmed their readiness to sign. According to party sources, the BNP held a meeting yesterday evening to finalize the names of representatives to be sent to the National Consensus Commission. As of 9:15 PM, discussions were still ongoing. The BNP is expected to nominate Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir and Standing Committee member Salahuddin Ahmed for the signing process.

On Thursday, the commission shared the final version of the charter with all parties, stating that it incorporated the views of each side. Parties were asked to submit the names of two representatives by 5:00 PM today. The commission plans to meet experts tomorrow morning and then convene with parties in the afternoon, with a possible follow-up session on Monday to discuss implementation.

The Jamaat and NCP also held separate meetings yesterday. Jamaat Assistant Secretary General Hamidur Rahman Azad said the party is still reviewing the charter internally before making a decision. NCP Joint Convener Javed Rasin noted that if implementation responsibilities were handed to the government, the issue could be deferred to the next parliament or become uncertain, and the party would then decide in its forum whether to sign.

Islami Andolan Bangladesh also remains undecided. Presidium member Ashraf Ali Akon said their leaders are currently on organizational tours and cannot fully evaluate the charter. The party would only sign if a legal framework is assured under the interim government.

The Communist Party of Bangladesh (CPB) is similarly cautious. General Secretary Ruhin Hossain Prince said the party would not sign if the charter retains clauses preventing signatories from challenging it in court.

Gono Odhikar Parishad expressed dissatisfaction that the 2018 quota reform movement was not explicitly acknowledged, although the final draft references the broader movement. Office Secretary Shakil Uzzaman said the party is still considering its stance.

Bangladesher Samajtantrik Dal (Marxist) raised concerns about state principles and women’s parliamentary representation, indicating they will not sign unless these issues are addressed.

On the other hand, Jatiya Samajtantrik Dal (JSD) has agreed to sign, nominating Vice President Tania Rob to the commission, General Secretary Shahid Uddin Mahmud Swapan confirmed.

Thursday night, commission members met at Jamuna with Chair and Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus. Though its tenure was originally set to end on September 15, it may be extended to September 30, sources said.

Commission Vice-President Prof. Ali Riaz told this newspaper that some charter provisions have already begun to be implemented, especially those not requiring constitutional amendments. He said parties agreed the interim government could execute reforms via ordinances and executive orders, some of which are already in effect.

“Certain constitutional reforms are essential for governance and structural changes and must be prioritized,” Riaz said. “Many provisions have been agreed upon by all parties. Others must be implemented to build a ‘new Bangladesh.’ Acceptable methods must be agreed upon for these issues.”