Political parties remain divided over the timing and format of holding a referendum to implement the long-awaited July Charter. However, they have agreed to proceed with the process in their last meeting with the National Consensus Commission (NCC) on Wednesday.
The discussion was held at the Foreign Service Academy in the capital, with representatives of 28 political parties, including the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami, and the National Citizens Party (NCP).
The BNP advocated holding the referendum simultaneously with the next national election, a view supported by some left-leaning parties. In contrast, Jamaat-e-Islami demanded a yes-no vote in November this year to allow the election to proceed based on the national charter.
Jamaat leader Dr Syed Abdullah Mohammad Taher said a November referendum would prevent dilemmas and complexities, and he urged the BNP to withdraw its note of dissent from the charter.
BNP chairperson's adviser Ismail Jabiullah defended the note of dissent, saying it is an integral part of the charter and should be presented to the people for decision.
BNP standing committee member Salahuddin Ahmed said a new law can be enacted and the government can issue a gazette notification to arrange the referendum, including the note of dissents.
Some parties expressed concern that the note of dissent could confuse voters, while others, including Mahmudur Rahman Manna, suggested that BNP and Jamaat should negotiate to find a compromise on the referendum timing.
Speakers noted that the referendum could be held via a government order and suggested removing or modifying some key points in the nine-point note of dissent. AB Party Chairman Mujibur Rahman Monju added that if parties fail to reach an agreement, the commission could intervene and make a decision based on the discussions.
NCC Vice-Chair Prof Ali Riaz told the discussion that legal proceedings will guide the referendum, and the commission aims to send its recommendation to the government by October 10.
He earlier said they did not want to further extend the commission's tenure, set to expire on October 15, and expressed hope of signing the charter within the given period.
NCP leader Akhter Hossain described the sitting as a "big achievement" and called for continued negotiation among parties for the nation's greater interest.
Earlier this week, political parties and the commission achieved a breakthrough in agreeing to hold the referendum, but disagreements over whether it should be held before the national elections or simultaneously with the next February polls prevented finalisation of the details.
All commission members also spoke at the final meeting.
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