July charter order issued NCP flags lingering ambiguities

Staff reporter :

National Citizen Party (NCP) Member Secretary Akhtar Hossain said on Friday that while the order to implement the July Charter has been issued, the ongoing political crisis and several ambiguities remain unresolved.

Speaking at a press briefing at the party’s temporary office in Banglamotor, Akhtar said, “Several sections of the implementation order still lack clarity. The referendum questions have been split, and some reforms have been sidelined for political reasons.”

He noted uncertainties over the caretaker government, Election Commission, and other constitutional bodies, including whether mechanisms such as the note of dissent will apply. Key issues like forming an upper house, ensuring women’s representation, and defining constitutional bodies also remain unclear.

Ambiguities, Akhtar added, persist regarding Article 70, holding multiple posts, and approving international treaties. “It is unclear whether referendum results will be binding or the extent of parliament’s authority as a constitution reform council,” he said.

The NCP leader emphasized that constitutional amendments normally require a two-thirds parliamentary majority.

“The July Charter reforms and referendum matters have been allowed by a simple majority. If limited to these, we have no objection, but extending it to other constitutional changes would breach the amendment process,” he warned.

Akhtar urged the government to clarify the order and remove ambiguities to address the crisis.