Jamaat for legal enforcement of Charter

Jamaat-e-Islami has called for the immediate establishment of a legal framework to implement the July National Charter, saying that the consensus achieved through months of multi-party dialogue must now be given the force of law.

The party's central Naib-e-Amir, Dr Syed Abdullah Mohammad Taher, made the remarks on Wednesday after a meeting with Chief Adviser Dr Muhammad Yunus at the state guest house Jamuna.

Taher said that although numerous political parties had endorsed the charter, its promises would remain "hollow" without formal legal backing.

"Many have signed the consensus we achieved through the hard work of many parties over many months," he said. "Now, a legal basis for the July Charter is essential."

Jamaat urged the Chief Adviser to issue a special executive order - which Taher described as a "press order" - to institutionalise the charter, provided it does not conflict with existing laws. "There are questions about who can issue such an order. We believe the Chief Adviser can and should do it," he added.

The July National Charter, forged earlier this year through dialogue among major political forces, outlines key electoral and governance reforms aimed at ensuring a free, fair, and inclusive national election. However, its implementation has been delayed amid procedural uncertainties and political differences.

Taher also commented on the proposed national referendum regarding the charter's reforms, accusing the BNP of complicating the process.

He claimed that while the BNP had initially agreed to hold a referendum, it later demanded that it take place on the same day as the national election - a position Jamaat strongly opposes.

"The referendum is about structural reforms; it cannot be merged with the parliamentary election," Taher said. "BNP now says there's no time, but there is ample time.