July Charter referendum: BNP, NCP want it on nat'l polls day, Jamaat prefers earlier
During the fourth day of the third phase of the National Consensus Commission’s dialogue, held at the Foreign Service Academy in Dhaka today (5 October), commission Vice-Chairman Ali Riaz said all parties supported the idea of a referendum on the charter’s implementation.
All political parties in discussions with the National Consensus Commission today (5 October) agreed on holding a public referendum for implementing the July Charter, though they differ on its timing.
The BNP has proposed holding the referendum on the same day as the next parliamentary election, while Jamaat-e-Islami prefers it take place before the election.
"There has been progress in today's discussions," Ali Riaz, vice-chairman of the National Consensus Commission, told the media after chairing the dialogue with political parties in Dhaka.
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"The parties have agreed on a referendum to ensure public participation in implementing the charter. This is the first step, and we are hopeful that parties will unite further on other aspects as well," he said.
He added that the Commission will submit one or more formal recommendations on the charter's implementation to the government by 10 October. "A further round of discussions with political parties is scheduled for 8 October."
Riaz noted that the parliament to be formed through the February elections must be structured to enable fundamental reforms and ensure sustainable constitutional amendments.
"Some parties earlier proposed seeking the Supreme Court's opinion under Article 106 of the Constitution, but they are now moving away from that stance. Many are showing flexibility, coming closer to a common position for consensus," he added.
He also said that representatives of three-fourths of the 30 political parties have already submitted their names to sign the July Charter.
BNP wants referendum on national polls day
BNP Standing Committee member Salahuddin Ahmed said that discussions today moved towards a near-final consensus. He noted that the proposal for a referendum had originally come from their party.
Salahuddin added that a public vote on implementing the charter could be held on a separate ballot on the same day as the parliamentary elections.
He also suggested issuing an ordinance titled "Ordinance for Implementation of the July National Charter," which would empower the Election Commission to conduct the referendum.
He stressed that the outcome of the public vote would be final and not imposed. He further explained that once parliament convenes, it cannot enact any provision that would bind a future legislature.
Jamaat wants referendum before election
Jamaat Assistant Secretary General Hamidur Rahman Azad said a referendum will provide a legal basis for the July Charter. However, he said the referendum should take place before the national elections.
"We believe the referendum could be held in November or December, even before the election schedule is announced, without disrupting the national vote," he said.
He added that the February elections can proceed smoothly if the public vote is conducted in advance. "This approach avoids placing the people in a difficult position and ensures both public and national interests are protected."
Azad said the outcome of the referendum would be final and could not be legally challenged or overturned by parliament. "Even if the result goes against us, we will respect it. We will abide by the people's decision and have no objection to it," he said.
NCP, Gono Odhikar
National Citizens Party (NCP) Joint Convener Sarwar Tushar said the government must resolve the matter according to the public's will. He said a separate ballot on election day for citizens to express their opinion on the charter's legal basis has been supported by most parties.
Excluding minor linguistic differences, he said, parties are largely in agreement on the charter's legal framework, where the public would vote yes or no on its implementation.
Tushar added that areas of consensus noted in the dissent record should be respected, and the legal framework can guide the process. He believes that if all parties remain aligned, the people will vote in favour of implementing the July Charter.
Gono Odhikar Parishad General Secretary Rashed Khan said consensus has been reached regarding the implementation process, with the remaining issues to be decided by the Commission.
Past referendums
Historically, Bangladesh has held three referendums.
The 1977 referendum under Ziaur Rahman recorded around 88% voter turnout, with nearly 98.87% approving the president's policies, though opponents deemed it administratively controlled.
The 1985 referendum during Ershad's military rule saw 72% turnout, with 94.5% in favour, amid widespread allegations of irregularities.
The 1991 constitutional referendum, which restored parliamentary democracy, recorded 84% turnout, with 88.5% supporting the change.
