Staff Reporter :
BNP is prepared to sign the July Charter at any time, Standing Committee Member Salahuddin Ahmed said on Monday.
Speaking at a press conference held at his residence in Gulshan, Ahmed confirmed that the party had submitted its official response to the July Charter with proposed amendments on 30 July, and had fully cooperated in its implementation process.
He emphasised the historical and political importance of the July Declaration, noting that the BNP had first responded to the proposal in February.
Among its concerns, the party objected to the inclusion of 26 March in the document and suggested that recognition of the state and
constitution be incorporated through the Fourth Schedule.
“If the amendments we proposed are not accepted, we will announce our formal response after the declaration is read,” he added.
Addressing speculation over BNP’s level of engagement with the process, Ahmed said: “Some are questioning whether BNP is cooperating or demanding guarantees before signing. But the reality is that BNP has extended the highest level of cooperation throughout.”
He called on all stakeholders to preserve anti-fascist unity and continue working together towards democratic reform.
Ahmed also noted that during discussions held by the Consensus Commission’s Reform Committee, 19 key issues were tabled. Of these, BNP agreed to 12 and submitted dissenting opinions on 7.
