CA to take final decision soon on referendum, law adviser says amid political debate
The adviser also expresses disappointment that such disagreements persist even after 270 days of dialogue with political parties
The chief adviser will make the final decision soon on July Charter referendum, Law Adviser Asif Nazrul said today (30 October).
"We must decide on how to implement the July Charter and when to hold the referendum. The chief adviser will make that decision soon, and we will assist him," Asif Nazrul said while speaking at a briefing after the advisory council meeting at the Foreign Service Academy in Dhaka.
He said, "No individual will take the decision alone, you can be assured of that. If consultation is needed, the chief adviser will consult us, and we will stand by the final decision."
Keep updated, follow The Business Standard's Google news channel
The adviser said a general discussion on the issue took place during the advisory council meeting.
"The disagreements stem from the Consensus Commission's two proposals. The first suggests implementing the July Charter and then holding a referendum. If not implemented by the elected government within 270 days, the constitution would automatically be amended. We must examine whether such a process has any precedent or is even possible. The second option is to leave the responsibility to the elected parliament," he said.
Commenting on the ongoing disagreement among major political parties, including BNP and Jamaat-e-Islami, he said, "It is unfortunate. After 270 days of dialogue, the tone of disagreement in the parties' statements is disappointing. How will the agreement document be finalised amid such deep divisions? This has created a serious challenge for us."
He added that while earlier disagreements centred on the content of reforms, two new disputes have now emerged — how the July Charter will be passed, and when the referendum will be held.
"The political dispute has reached its peak. At this point, the government must make a decision, and the chief adviser will take that call," he said.
Regarding the political parties' opposing positions, Asif Nazrul said, "The parties that once supported the July Uprising have now taken an overly aggressive stance. If they act this way, what can the government do? After so much discussion, there's still no consensus, we will have to think about how we should move forward."
Responding to questions about political ultimatums, he said, "If any political party tries to impose its position on the government unilaterally, it shows there is no real consensus. They've had enough time to discuss. They should reflect on where the spirit of July stands amid such disunity."
On the commission's recommendations, Asif Nazrul said, "We have received them. The government has the authority to decide how to implement those recommendations, and the chief adviser will make that decision."
He reiterated that the national elections will be held in the first half of February.
"Ensuring a proper voting environment is not only the government's responsibility but also that of the political parties," he added.
The Consensus Commission proposed that the referendum could be held either before or on the day after the national election.
Business leaders concerned over referendum uncertainty, call for timely national election
Tensions grew among BNP, Jamaat-e-Islami, and the National Citizen Party (NCP) over the timing of the referendum.
Jamaat wants it before the national polls, while the BNP wants it on the same day as the general election, with two separate ballots.
The NCP, which is also in favour of a referendum before the polls, has insisted that elections cannot take place in the country unless the July Charter is implemented.
Draft of National Human Rights Commission Ordinance gets nod
Asif Nazrul also announced that the advisory council today approved the draft of National Human Rights Commission Ordinance 2025.
"Previously, the commission had no real authority, it was a toothless tiger. Now, it has been empowered to exercise legal powers and play a role under customary international law," he said.
He added that there would be no separate commission on enforced disappearances, as the Human Rights Commission would handle such cases. "Under the new ordinance, the government is now required to implement the commission's recommendations following investigations into human rights violations by state forces."
At the briefing, Chief Adviser's Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam said the meeting also discussed medical expenses for those injured in the July–August movement.
"Sixty-five people are still undergoing treatment, and up to Tk8 crore has been spent on a single injured person," he said.
