No possibility of election without July Charter's legal foundation: Jamaat
Referendum before election, 8 Islamist parties demand at Dhaka rally
Jamaat-e-Islami and its seven allied Islamist parties, including Bangladesh Khelafat Majlish and Islami Andolon Bangladesh, held a grand rally at Paltan in Dhaka today (11 November), pressing their five-point demand, which includes holding a referendum on the July Charter before the national election.
Other demands are – issuing an order to implement the July Charter; adopting proportional representation in the next parliamentary system; ensuring equitable and credible elections; and taking visible action on accountability related to past political repression, killings and corruption.
Addressing the rally, Jamaat Ameer Shafiqur Rahman said, "Our demands are few, but very clear. The July Revolution must be recognised. And to recognise the revolution, the July Charter must be given a legal basis. Without this legal foundation, there is no possibility of holding any election."
Echoing him, Bangladesh Khelafat Majlish Ameer Mamunul Haque said, "We want to see the July Charter as the blueprint for the future of Bangladesh. The charter must be given legal recognition through a referendum before the national election. Any deviation from this will not be accepted by the supporters of the July Revolution."
The interim government on 3 November urged political parties to reach a unified decision on the referendum date within a week, a deadline that expired last Monday (10 November), but no consensus has been reached.
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According to media reports, as parties failed to find common ground, the interim government's Advisory Council may make a decision in its meeting on Thursday. It is reportedly working to issue an order to implement the July National Charter (constitutional amendment) and a subsequent ordinance to hold a referendum on it.
However, the Islamist bloc, led by Jamaat, appears adamant about its demands. Jamaat's chief vowed to continue the movement until those demands are met, saying, "We fought to end fascism, and we will continue to fight to materialise the people's aspirations."
Other Islamist parties are also rallying behind these demands.
Earlier on 6 November, the alliance of eight Islamist parties submitted a memorandum to Chief Adviser Prof Yunus outlining their five-point demand.
Political analysts said speculation over forming an election-time alliance among these Islamist parties gained momentum after today's grand rally, which drew thousands of followers to the streets of Dhaka.
Islami Andolon Bangladesh Ameer Syed Rezaul Karim, popularly known as Pir of Charmonai, said, "Two kinds of people now stand at two poles: patriots and power-seekers. The fascist Awami League were power-seekers and they fled the country in the face of mass uprising, some crossing barbed wire into India."
Addressing the BNP, he said, "The country's students, people, and all classes first want a referendum, then a national election. If you delay giving the July charter a legal basis, Bangladesh will be surrounded on three sides by barbed wire. Where will you run?"
The rally took place amid a deteriorating law and order situation marked by a series of crude bomb blasts, arson, and vehicles being set ablaze by miscreants ahead of 13 November, a date fixed by the International Crimes Tribunal to set the verdict in a case against ousted prime minister Sheikh Hasina and several of her top aides.
Commenting on the situation, Jamaat Secretary General Mia Golam Porwar said, "Just as we were reaching a consensus for a free, fair, and neutral election in February next year, a certain quarter has begun plotting against it. Following that conspiracy, a new plan of sabotage is now being orchestrated under the guise of a so-called shutdown."
