Jamaat threatens lawsuit if July Charter lacks legal basis
Staff Reporter :
Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami has threatened to file a compensation lawsuit against the government and the National Consensus Commission if the proposed “July Charter” is not granted a clear legal foundation before implementation.
“We believe relying on promises alone won’t suffice. Without a legal basis, this charter is meaningless,” said Syed Abdullah Mohammad Taher, Nayeb-e-Ameer of Jamaat-e-Islami, speaking to reporters on Wednesday during the lunch break on the 23rd day of the ongoing dialogue at the Foreign Service Academy in Dhaka. Taher warned that the party would take legal recourse if the charter the product of nearly a month of political dialogue among parties – remains an unenforceable political document. “We will file a compensation lawsuit against both the government and the commission if this issue remains unresolved,” he said.
The Jamaat leader reiterated his party’s strong support for a proportional representation (PR) electoral system, which he claimed has also been backed by most other political parties. “We have made it clear – we want elections under a PR system. The commission has said it will make a decision after the break. We hope that decision will be positive,” he added.
Taher warned that without proper legislation, the charter would hold no value. “We have worked tirelessly; you have all witnessed it. But if the outcome is not implemented, everything we have done will be meaningless. Even taking an oath would carry no weight without real implementation.”
Describing the proposed charter as “null and void” in its current form, Taher declared that Jamaat would not sign the document unless it is enacted into law during the current government’s tenure. “It must be enacted now. Implementation could begin as soon as tomorrow,” he insisted.
Reflecting on the dialogue process, Taher observed that the level of disagreement had spiked in recent days. “In the past 23 days, we have seen more ‘notes of dissent’ than in the previous 22 days combined. Still, this is part of democracy – dissent is a right. But if the majority supports it, then it should be accepted.”
He also dismissed claims that legislation could not be passed under the interim administration. “Those claiming it cannot be done now are misleading the nation. Providing a legal basis is both possible and necessary. There are viable alternatives and precedents.”
“We are reiterating our demand – a legal foundation is essential. Without it, signing this charter is meaningless. There is no difference between signing and not signing such a document,” he added.
Taher concluded by underscoring Jamaat’s broader concern over institutional balance, stating, “This is not just our view. The upper house is meant to act as a balance of power. While legislation will originate in the lower house, the upper house will play a guiding and supervisory role.”