BNP, NCP, Jamaat differ on July Charter implementation, commission remains hopeful

A total of 26 political parties have so far submitted their views on the full draft of the July National Charter to the National Consensus Commission, revealing sharp differences over its implementation.

While BNP wants implementation in the next parliament, the NCP favours a constituent assembly, and Jamaat-e-Islami is calling for a public referendum.

However, the commission remains hopeful that a legal, practical solution can be reached. The commission has not yet disclosed when discussions with parties will begin.

The commission has started consulting legal and constitutional experts and is expected to hold further talks with political parties before its 15 September deadline.

The commission yesterday convened a meeting at the Foreign Service Academy with advisers, the attorney general, and other experts to discuss implementation procedures. 

Attendees included Law Adviser Asif Nazrul, Attorney General Md Asaduzzaman, retired Supreme Court Justice MA Matin, Justice Mainul Islam Chowdhury, Senior Advocate of the Supreme Court Sharif Bhuiyan and Barrister Imran Siddique.

Regarding the differences among BNP, Jamaat, and NCP, Commission Vice Chairman Ali Riaz told The Business Standard, "I still see possibilities. We must sit for discussion. This is a political and legal process. Many outside will speak, and parties may reiterate the same points at the table. Yet, I hope they will consider a lawful and feasible approach."

Meanwhile, BNP Standing Committee member Salauddin Ahmed said the party would participate sincerely in any discussions convened by the commission. 

"We will support any legal and constitutional method agreed upon. We are open to discussions. We are committed to implementing the July Charter according to the consensus reached," he said. 

Earlier, on 29 July, he noted that the BNP largely agrees with the main framework, though details are yet to be finalised, and confirmed support for reforms to be implemented within two years of the next parliament.

NCP Secretary Akhtar Hossain has suggested that over 60 constitutional amendments may be required for the July Charter's implementation. "Those elected through a people's assembly will finalise the text, using agreed points as guidelines for incorporation into the new constitution," he said.

Jamaat Nayeb-e-Ameer Syed Abdullah Mohammad Taher called for a referendum to grant the charter legal status. "Past amendments, such as the 5th and 7th, were legitimised through public voting and proclamation before parliamentary ratification. The July Charter should receive similar constitutional recognition," he said. 

26 parties submit opinion

Islami Andolan Bangladesh and Nagorik Oikya became the 25th and 26th parties to submit their views to the commission yesterday.

Other already submitting their opinions include: BNP, NCP, Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), Khelafat Majlish, Amar Bangladesh (AB) Party, Jatiyatabadi Gonotantrik Andolon (NDM), Bangladesh Khelafat Majlish, Jamaat-e-Islami, Jatiya Samajtantrik Dal (JSD), Biplobi Workers Party of Bangladesh, Jatiyatabadi Somomona Jote, 12-Party Alliance, Amjanatar Dal, Gono Forum, Bangladesher Samajtantrik Dal (Basad), Jatiya Gonofront, Bangladesher Samajtantrik Dal (Marxbadi), Gonoshonghoti Andolon, Bangladesh Jatiya Samajtantrik Dal (Bangladesh JASAD), Bangladesh Labour Party, Jaker Party, Bhasani Janashakti Party, Bangladesh Nezame Islam Party and the Communist Party of Bangladesh (CPB).

The four political parties that have not yet submitted their opinions are: Gono Odhikar Parishad, Rastro Songskar Andolon, Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam Bangladesh and Islami Oikya Jote.

On the timing of discussions with parties, Ali Riaz said, "We will review the 26 written opinions and discuss with our expert panel. Some revisions may also be implemented by the government. This will determine when we can meet with political parties." 

Commission member Badiul Alam Majumdar added: "We all must remain vigilant to ensure genuine consensus is achieved. We cannot predict the outcome, but we are optimistic."