Some advisers mislead CA, work for a particular party: Jamaat
July Charter must be given constitutional status, the party tells CA during meeting
Some advisers are aligned with a particular political party and have misled Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus, Jamaat-e-Islami Nayeb-e-Ameer Syed Abdullah Mohammad Taher said today (22 October).
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"We expressed our confidence in the chief adviser, but warned that some advisers around him are providing misleading guidance. He needs to stay vigilant and aware of their influence," he said while briefing media after a meeting with the chief adviser at his Jamuna residence.
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Speaking about the July Charter, Taher said it has already been signed and now needs a legal framework for implementation, particularly the provisions related to the upcoming elections.
The Jamaat leader emphasised that the July Charter should be given constitutional recognition through an official order.
"This is not a constitution but an extra-constitutional arrangement, which a government can formalise if circumstances require," he said, adding that the chief adviser has indicated it will be enacted through an order.
Taher said the July Charter should be given legal grounds through an official order, and a referendum should be held under this order.
'BNP trying to complicate referendum process'
"Initially, the BNP was hesitant about the referendum, but they agreed after we insisted, for which we thank them," he added.
Addressing who would issue the reform order, he said, "We told the chief adviser that if it complies with the law and does not violate any legal provisions, we want him to issue the order. The president will not be issuing it."
Taher also noted that the BNP is trying to complicate the referendum process, suggesting that it be held on the same day as the national election.
He clarified that the two are entirely separate aspects as the national election elects representatives who will run the government, while the referendum addresses key reforms — such as how the government will function, how elections will be conducted fairly, and the powers of the prime minister.
"The referendum has no connection to the national election," he said.
On the timing, he said Bangladesh has previously held three referendums — one in 17 days, another in 21 days before the election.
"We have proposed holding the referendum at the end of November. After that, there will still be about two and a half months before the national elections," he added.
Taher further raised concerns about bias in key institutions, saying around 70–80% of officials in the Election Commission, secretariat, and police administration are loyal to a particular party.
"We have requested the chief adviser to ensure level playing field. He has assured us that postings will be randomised through a lottery system during the reshuffle," he said.
Earlier in the afternoon, a delegation from the National Citizen Party (NCP) held a meeting with the chief adviser.
Yesterday, a BNP delegation met the chief adviser to discuss preparations for the upcoming national election.
The meetings are part of the chief adviser's continued discussions with political parties ahead of polls.
