Clouds hang over July Charter implementation as parties stay divided

Political divisions cast a shadow over the implementation of the July Charter, with no agreement yet on when the referendum on the Charter should be held, the inclusion of "notes of dissent" from the BNP in the Charter, or the implementation process.

While Jamaat has shown willingness for talks, its stance on the referendum before the election remains unyielding. 

BNP, meanwhile, has declined to rejoin talks, sticking to its earlier position that the referendum must be held on the day of the national elections in February and the inclusion of its 15 "notes of dissent" to the charter. 

NCP, in contrast, opposes incorporating BNP's "notes of dissent" into the July Charter, adding further complications to the negotiations.

The government set a seven-day deadline on 3 November for parties to agree on the referendum schedule and implementation process. The deadline expires on 10 November.

As the deadline nears, the chances of reaching a consensus remain unclear, casting doubt on the smooth implementation of the July Charter.

TBS learned that Jamaat-e-Islami Nayeb-e-Ameer Syed Abdullah Muhammad Taher called BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Thursday, proposing talks. Fakhrul reportedly told him that he would consult with party leaders before making a decision.

On Thursday night, the BNP held a meeting of its highest policy-making body, the National Standing Committee. During the meeting, Fakhrul raised the issue, and most members agreed to stick with the party's current stance on referendum timing.

BNP Standing Committee member Ameer Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury told TBS yesterday, "The July Charter was signed after long discussions. We have already given our opinion. We don't understand the purpose of calling for new talks again."

Regarding the timing of the referendum, he said, "We have stated our position: the referendum should be held on the day of the election. Our stance remains the same. The Charter must include our notes of dissent. Parties will implement reforms based on the public mandate and their respective commitments once voted to power."

BNP, Jamaat and many other parties signed the July Charter on 17 October. 

Although Jamaat has shown interest in joining discussions with BNP, the party continues to hold street programmes in coordination with eight like-minded political parties.

On Thursday, Jamaat submitted a memorandum to Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus demanding five actions, including holding a referendum and implementing the July Charter before the elections.

The party has also formed a two-member committee comprising its Nayeb-e-Ameer and former MP Muhammad Taher, and Assistant Secretary General Hamidur Rahman Azad for this purpose.

Hamidur told TBS, "We are trying to engage with parties, but progress has been limited so far. Still, we are hopeful that a consensus can be achieved. And, we do not see street activities and discussions as conflicting; both pursue the same goal."

Several Islamist parties, including Jamaat, remain firm on holding a referendum before the national elections. On Thursday, Jamaat Nayeb-e-Ameer Taher said that the government had announced elections in February. February is approaching, but no date for the referendum has been declared. He insisted that the referendum must take place before the elections.

Gazi Ataur Rahman, joint secretary general and spokesperson of Islami Andolan Bangladesh, said that the referendum will not be held alongside the elections. He emphasised that the referendum must take place before the elections, even if the elections are delayed.

To resolve disagreements over the Charter, six parties – including the National Citizen Party (NCP), AB Party, Gano Odhikar Parishad, and Ganatantra Mancha – have held internal discussions. However, they have not yet engaged with BNP or Jamaat.

NCP Joint Convener Sarwar Tushar told TBS, "We have discussed the matter with a few parties, but not with Jamaat or BNP. If political parties fail to reach an agreement, the government will have to decide on the July Charter implementation method."

NCP Convener Nahid Islam outlined the party's position, stating, "A referendum must be held and the order for the Charter implementation must come from CA Yunus. The Charter will not include any notes of dissent."

On 28 October, the National Consensus Commission submitted recommendations to the interim government regarding the implementation of the July Charter. 

The commission suggested that the interim government issue a special order to implement the Charter's constitution-related reforms, forming the basis for a referendum. 

However, it left the government to decide whether the referendum would take place on the day of the national elections or earlier.