NCP seeks legal framework for July Charter ahead of election

The National Citizen Party (NCP) today (29 July) demanded that the implementation of the July Charter be given a legal foundation before the next parliamentary election.

"We've clearly said that the implementation of the consensus points reached in the dialogue must be ensured through a legal framework before the election, and the next parliament election must be held based on that," said NCP Joint Convener Javed Rasin.

He placed the demand at a press briefing during the lunch break of the 21st session of the second-round reform dialogue between the National Consensus Commission and political parties in the city's Foreign Service Academy.

The NCP leader said his party has already conveyed this position verbally to the NCC and would submit it in writing, if needed.

Rasin said although the commission earlier spoke of six decision-making methods, it released the draft charter suddenly without consulting on those methods. "This is not a proper approach," he said.

"We strongly oppose this. There has not even been a discussion about the procedures of decision-making. Releasing a draft without that is unacceptable to us," Rasin added.

Several NCP leaders have stated that to implement the July Charter, a referendum or an ordinance in the form of a Legal Framework Order (LFO) is essential.

They expressed concern that although the consensus commission initially proposed six methods for implementing reforms, it now appears to be leaning toward favouring a particular party by suggesting the involvement of the Parliament.

Following the commission's discussion on 18 June, NCP's Senior Joint Convenor Ariful Islam Adib said, "During talks with political parties, the commission had outlined six approaches: issuing an ordinance before the election, a referendum, forming a constituent assembly, holding a referendum during the election, forming a constituent assembly that would also act as a legislature, or post-election constitutional reforms through parliament.

"However, after the chief adviser's meeting with BNP acting chairperson Tarique Rahman in London, the commission now seems to be shifting focus toward implementation through Parliament."

On the caretaker government issue, Rasin said several days of dialogue had focused on the ranked choice voting method to select the chief of the caretaker government, reports UNB.

Under the latest proposal, two additional members from the judiciary would be added to form a seven-member committee that will cast votes in the ranked choice system. "We support this proposal. Almost all political parties agree with it except BNP and a few of its allies," he said.

The NCP leader said his party has stressed the need for implementing fundamental reforms that are essential to dismantle what he described as the existing fascist structure. "If these reforms are not implemented, NCP will hold internal discussions on whether to sign the July Charter," he added.