The Advisory Council of the interim government has expressed concern over disagreements among political parties regarding the implementation of the July National Charter and related reform proposals. The council has called on the parties to hold discussions among themselves and provide a unified guideline to the interim government at the earliest possible time. If the parties fail to reach a consensus within a week, the government will make decisions independently.

The decision was made during an emergency meeting of the Advisory Council held on Monday at the office of the Chief Advisor in Tejgaon, Dhaka. The meeting was chaired by Chief Advisor Professor Muhammad Yunus. Later, at a press conference, Legal Advisor Professor Asif Nazrul announced the government’s position. Advisors Muhammad Fauzul Kabir Khan, Adilur Rahman Khan, and the Chief Advisor’s press secretary Shafiqul Alam were also present.

Last Tuesday, the National Consensus Commission submitted recommendations to the interim government regarding the implementation of the July National Charter. The submission suggested issuing a special order for the reforms mentioned in the charter, followed by a public referendum. If the referendum approves the proposals, the next parliament would complete the constitutional reforms within 270 days as the Constitution Reform Council.

However, the Commission left the timing of the referendum to the government, including whether it would be held simultaneously with the national parliamentary elections or beforehand. Following the submission of these recommendations, political parties have taken opposing positions. Given this situation, the Advisory Council convened an urgent meeting today.

At the press briefing, Legal Advisor Asif Nazrul explained that the meeting reviewed the July National Charter, related constitutional reforms, the organization of the proposed referendum, and its content. The council noted that despite long discussions, differences remain over several reform proposals. Concerns were also raised about the disagreement among parties regarding the timing and scope of the referendum.

Asif Nazrul stated that, in this context, urgent decisions are needed regarding the referendum schedule, its content, and the steps to address differing opinions outlined in the July Charter, taking into account the recommendations of the Consensus Commission. Political parties, especially long-time allies in anti-fascist movements, were urged to hold internal discussions and provide a unified guideline to the government as soon as possible, ideally within a week. Having a unified directive would make it easier for the government to act.

He added that there is no room for delay in the current circumstances. The meeting reaffirmed the government’s commitment to holding the national parliamentary election in the first half of February next year.

Press Conference Questions and Responses

When asked by a journalist about when the July Charter implementation order might be issued, Asif Nazrul said, “We want to give the anti-fascist political parties some time. We are observing the situation carefully.”

Regarding the one-week period given to the parties for discussion and what the government would do if consensus is not reached, Nazrul clarified, “We did not issue a strict deadline; we extended a call for discussion. We will wait, and the government will then take action as it deems necessary.”

When asked whether the government would organize discussions for the parties, Nazrul responded that the government has already held numerous discussions and will not arrange additional sessions. He emphasized that these political allies have spent 15 years deliberating and taking decisions, including during very difficult times, and the expectation is that they will reach a unified guideline on their own.

In response to allegations by a major party regarding deviations from earlier discussions during the Consensus Commission process, Nazrul said there was no comment. He reiterated that the government expects the parties themselves to hold discussions and provide a unified direction. “If they do, it makes our job much easier. If they fail to reach consensus, the government will act independently,” he added.