July Charter has nothing to do with holding fair elections: BNP’s Salahuddin
Whether it is the formulation of the July Charter or other activities, the goal is to ensure the elections take place next February, he says
The July National Charter has nothing to do with holding fair and acceptable elections, BNP Standing Committee Member Salahuddin Ahmed said today (15 October).
Talking to reporters after an urgent meeting of the Consensus Commission with political parties this evening, 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."
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He emphasised that while everyone should sign the July Charter, points of disagreement or notes of dissent should be recorded point by point.
"We discussed the Consensus Commission to include notes of dissent. If there were no differences, discussion would not be necessary," he explained.
Salahuddin also clarified that no votes in the July Charter referendum will be counted manually, ensuring transparency. He said the referendum 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."
The meeting, chaired by the chief adviser, was held at the Foreign Service Academy this evening to discuss the signing and implementation of the July Charter.
The signing ceremony of the July National Charter 2025 is scheduled for October 17 at the South Plaza of the Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban.
