Reach referendum consensus in a week, or govt will decide: Advisory Council to political parties

The interim government has urged all political parties to reach a consensus regarding the referendum on the July National Charter and give their decision within a week.

"If the parties can't give their decision by then, the government will make the final decision," said Law, Justice, and Parliamentary Affairs Adviser Asif Nazrul at a press briefing in Dhaka today (3 November).

He said despite many discussions with the National Consensus Commission, political parties have not yet been able to reach a consensus on many reforms.

Also, there is still a difference of opinion between political parties regarding when the July Charter referendum will be held and what the referendum will be on, said Nazrul.

An Advisory Council meeting was held earlier yesterday morning, the adviser informed. "We discussed these issues and expressed our concerns. We urge all political parties to reach a consensus in their own volition in the shortest possible time, if possible within one week. It will make taking decisions by the government much easier."

In response to a question from a reporter, the adviser said, "The government will reach a decision on its own if the political parties do not reach an agreement."

Asif also reiterated the government's commitment to holding the 13th national election in the first half of February.

Asked if the government will arrange any meetings for the political parties, the law adviser said the government has already arranged many meetings and it will not arrange any more.

"These parties have sat down and taken many decisions in the past, and have held movements to overthrow fascism. As such, the government expects them to sit and come to a consensus regarding all the issues themselves," he said.

This was the first press briefing held by the interim government at the CAO since it took office in August last year. The meeting, which took place before the briefing, was chaired by the chief adviser.

Political strife has grown since the Consensus Commission's submission of recommendations on how to implement the July Charter on 28 October, as major parties remain divided on several key issues. 

The commission recommended that the next parliament also serve as a constitutional reform Council with 270 days to complete constitutional reforms in line with the July Charter proposals passed by a referendum.

The referendum can be held before or on the day of the national election, according to its proposals.