CA addresses nation Thursday as Jamaat issues Sunday ultimatum
NCP’s Patwari backs Jamaat’s five-point demand, two other leaders say it’s not party position
Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus is set to address the nation on Thursday afternoon (13 November) in a live TV broadcast, where he is expected to announce the interim government's decision on implementing the July National Charter and holding a referendum.
The July Charter, which includes plans for a referendum and the issuance of the July Order, has become the focal point of political contention and is likely to top today's Advisory Council agenda, chaired by Yunus.
With the political parties failing to reach a consensus by the 10 November deadline, Chief Adviser's Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam confirmed that the government would now proceed on its own.
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But Jamaat-e-Islami and its seven-party alliance have threatened an indefinite sit-in in front of the Chief Adviser's residence Jamuna from Sunday if their five-point demands—including early implementation of the Charter and a pre-election referendum—are not met.
BNP's actions over July Charter implementation 'completely undesirable': Jamaat's Taher
Sources indicate that the Advisory Council may issue an order to enact the Charter as a constitutional amendment, followed by an ordinance to conduct the referendum. Law, Justice, and Parliamentary Affairs Adviser Asif Nazrul had previously indicated that a final decision was expected within a few days.
Deep contrast in party positions
The row surrounding the Charter underscores a pronounced divide among major opposition forces, notably between the BNP and the Jamaat-led alliance, both on the substance and the timing of the referendum.
The BNP has advocated for the implementation of the July Charter, including the dissenting notes of the signatories, emphasising that it was endorsed by all political parties. Concerning the national referendum, the BNP insists it should be conducted concurrently with the upcoming national election.
In contrast, Jamaat-e-Islami and its seven allied Islamist parties demand that the July Uprising receive formal legal recognition, asserting that the July Charter must be given a legal foundation, without which "there is no possibility of holding any election."
Jamaat also insists that the government implement the recommendations of the National Consensus Commission.
Significantly, while the BNP supports holding the referendum on the election day, Jamaat explicitly demands that the referendum occur ahead of the next parliamentary polls, slated for February.
Escalating pressure and five-point demands
To advance their agenda, Jamaat and the seven-party alliance have intensified their mobilisation. They announced that they would be on the streets from today and plan to stage protest marches across all districts and metropolitan areas on Friday, pressing the government to implement the Charter and conduct the referendum before the next election.
Jamaat Secretary General Mia Golam Porwar said the alliance's top leaders held a series of meetings following Tuesday's rally and urgently sought an appointment with the chief adviser to discuss the ongoing political crisis.
These demands, submitted to CA Yunus on 6 November, include issuing an order to implement the July Charter, holding a national referendum before the next parliamentary election, adopting proportional representation, ensuring fair and transparent elections, and taking visible action on accountability related to past political repression and corruption.
Jamaat's top leadership has vowed to sustain the protests until all demands are met, saying, "We fought to end fascism, and we will continue to fight to materialise the people's aspirations."
The NCP Factor: From alignment to strategic ambiguity
Amid escalating political tensions, the National Citizen Party (NCP) briefly stirred controversy after its Chief Coordinator, Nasiruddin Patwari, declared solidarity with the Jamaat-led alliance early yesterday.
Patwari endorsed the Islamist bloc's five-point demand as "logical and justified" and warned that the NCP would stand "shoulder to shoulder" with protesters if the government attempted suppression.
However, by late night, two top NCP leaders clarified that Patwari's statements, including his support for the planned Jamuna sit-in, were personal opinions, not reflective of the party's official position.
Joint Convenor Monira Sharmin told TBS that the party does not endorse the alliance's full five-point platform, which includes demands for proportional representation and accountability mechanisms. Another joint convenor, Ariful Islam Adib, echoed that stance, stressing that the NCP's engagement remains issue-specific rather than movement-wide.
Earlier, Patwari's rhetoric appeared to challenge the BNP's influence, asserting, "The referendum will take place in Bangladesh. Even if the BNP tries for another hundred years, it cannot stop it."
He further claimed that public support for the referendum outweighed BNP's organisational base.
The timing of Patwari's remarks, amid ongoing speculation that the NCP may be negotiating a pre-election understanding with a bigger party, BNP or Jamaat, has added another layer of intrigue.
Though Patwari denied reports of seat or cabinet-sharing talks, several prominent student leaders, including Abdul Kader and Rifat Rashid, hinted that speculations might hold merit.
EC to consult with political parties from Thursday
Meanwhile, in the background of ongoing political confrontation, the Election Commission is moving forward with its preparations, set to initiate a series of dialogues with registered political parties. The EC plans to begin by inviting 12 parties, each allowed up to three representatives.
Sources said that on 17 November, the commission will meet the Jatiya Party (plough symbol), although it has yet to determine which of the three factions claiming the symbol will retain it. On 19 November, separate discussions are scheduled with Jamaat-e-Islami, Amar Bangladesh (AB) Party, Bangladesh Development Party, Bangladesh Islami Front, and Khelafat Majlis.
Adding to the high-stakes political tension, Bangladesh's Awami League has announced a nationwide, daylong lockdown today, as the International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) of Bangladesh is scheduled to announce the verdict delivery date in the case against former prime minister Sheikh Hasina, who faces charges of crimes against humanity, including murder, related to the July 2024 events.
