July charter: BNP for signing keeping notes of dissent, Jamaat sees no uncertainty
NCP has ‘some doubts’ over implementation
As major political parties joining the National Consensus Commission talks over the past eight months are set to sign the July National Charter 17 October, their leaders expressed their final observations last night, after an emergency meeting presided over by the chief adviser.
BNP Standing Committee Member Salahuddin Ahmed said while every party should sign the July Charter, points of disagreement or notes of dissent should be recorded point by point.
Jamaat-e-Islami's Nayeb-e-Ameer Syed Abdullah Mohammad Taher confirmed that the party will attend the signing ceremony of the July charter, saying there is "no uncertainty" about their participation.
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National Citizen Party (NCP) Member Secretary Akhter Hossen expressed concerns over unresolved issues surrounding the implementation of the July National Charter 2025.
Meanwhile, four leftist parties along with Gonoforum said they would boycott the signing ceremony.
July Charter has nothing to do with holding fair elections: Salahuddin
The July Charter has nothing to do with holding fair and acceptable elections, BNP leader Salahuddin Ahmed said after the emergency meeting last night.
Talking to reporters, the BNP leader said, "Whether it is the formulation of the July Charter or other activities, the goal is to ensure the elections take place next February."
He further said, "People across the country want reforms, and we do too. Whoever comes to power must implement them."
He emphasised that while everyone should sign the July Charter, points of disagreement or notes of dissent should be recorded point by point.
"If there were no differences, discussions would not be necessary," he explained.
Salahuddin also said the referendum over the charter empowers parliament to implement reforms, giving it an obligation that cannot be overturned.
Regarding dissenting notes, he said these will now be incorporated into the clauses of the election manifesto, ensuring that those mandates can be implemented.
"Previously, some may have avoided signing on certain pretexts, but that option is no longer available," he added.
Answering a question, Salahuddin noted that the draft previously shared with political parties did not clearly specify the handling of notes of dissent. "That clause will now be replaced with a clear provision for addressing them."
Jamaat to attend July charter signing ceremony, no uncertainty: Taher
Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami's Nayeb-e-Ameer Syed Abdullah Mohammad Taher said there is "no uncertainty" about their participation in the charter signing ceremony.
"We will go to the signing ceremony. We do not see any uncertainty in this regard," he told reporters after attending the meeting last night.
The signing ceremony of the July National Charter 2025 is scheduled to be held on 17 October at the South Plaza of the Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban in Dhaka.
Taher said all issues related to the charter would be decided through a single, comprehensive referendum.
"Although the BNP initially opposed the idea, they have now agreed to it, which is commendable. We have maintained that the referendum and the national election are two separate matters," he said, referring to the Jamaat's preference to hold the referendum in November before the national polls.
He further said that during the national polls, party symbols will remain crucial, and the ballot of the Consensus Commission will not hold much significance. "Everyone will be busy ensuring victory for their own party symbol," Taher remarked.
Some doubts remain over charter implementation: NCP's Akhter
NCP Member Secretary Akhter Hossen expressed concerns over unresolved issues surrounding the implementation of the July National Charter.
He said, "Some doubts remain at the last moment. The implementation of the charter before the nation has not been clarified. The matter of issuing an order is still unclear."
He added, "We have requested the chief adviser to issue it. Once these issues are clarified, the achievement of signing the July Charter will remain intact. Otherwise, uncertainty will persist. The goodwill of political parties and the role of government can resolve this crisis."
Akhter stressed the importance of a legal and sustainable framework, saying, "To liberate Bangladesh from a fascist structure and establish a democratic process, we requested a legal basis for the July charter, a formal order, and a roadmap for a referendum."
"However, these matters were not addressed. Details on the order, constitutional relation, note of dissent and the referendum process remain unclear," he said.
