Rifts among three major political parties centring on the 'July Charter' and its implementation surfaced again rather prominently Wednesday, clouding the prospect of holding the much-coveted next general election in time.
Leaders of Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), Jamaat-e-Islami and National Citizens Party (NCP) at separate events in Dhaka took divergent and tough stances on the Charter and its implementation through referendum.
BNP Secretary-General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir accused the National Consensus Commission (NCC) that authored the document of "deceiving" the people by not accommodating BNP's notes of dissent in the July National Charter.
The former ruling party, among others, has suggested holding a referendum on the charter of change on the day of next parliamentary election.
Jamaat-e-Islami Secretary-General Mia Golam Porwar observed the Consensus Commission's report to the post-uprising government left the referendum timeline "unresolved".
"They have not said anything specific. They only said the referendum could be held on election day or any time before. They have left it hanging, creating a critical situation. The ball is now in government's court," he said.
He added: all eight parties had been clear in demanding a November referendum before the national elections.
The NCP has called on Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus to sign the July Charter-implementation order in public at the Central Shaheed Minar to remove all uncertainty surrounding the issue.
Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir said Wednesday at a book-launching event at the National Press Club the notes of dissent were completely ignored in the National Consensus Commission's recommendations on implementation of the July Charter.
"This should not be as we see. Then why was this commission formed? He asked, calling it betrayal with the people and the political parties.
The BNP Secretary-General said such a big uprising in August, in exchange for so much of sacrifice, in exchange for so many lives, could not be properly utilised for the welfare of the nation. "Unfortunately, it is seen that as the days go by, the divisions are widening."
The party secretary said they gave notes of dissent on the issues on which they did not agree. The commission had promised to record the notes of dissent in the recommendations. But they were surprised to see those issues not in the recommendations. The notes of dissent were completely ignored. "Then, why the consensus commission was formed!" Mirza Fakhrul emphasized that the interim period was a time of unity.
"But this time you (CA) are committed to the people, you are committed. You will make the reforms that are truly needed here and hold an election acceptable to the people," he said, drawing attention of the Chief Adviser of the interim government.
"The parliament that will come through that election will solve the crises of this country. So, if there is any deviation from this day, if you go beyond it, you will have to bear the full responsibility. I want to say this very clearly," he continued.
nsrafsanju@gmail.com
© 2025 - All Rights with The Financial Express
