Parties split over July Charter, launch parallel movement
Abu Jakir :
Several Islamist and other likeminded political parties, including Jamaat-e-Islami and Islami Andolan Bangladesh (IAB), have decided to delay signing the July Charter, insisting that the reform document requires a binding legal framework before it can be endorsed.
Instead, they announced plans to launch a coordinated but separate movement this week to press for what they call “meaningful implementation.”
Leaders of these groups argue that without constitutional or legal guarantees, the charter risks becoming another symbolic agreement with little effect. “If implementation is pushed to the next parliament, it will fall into uncertainty,” warned NCP Joint Convener Javed Rasin, adding that his party would review the matter in its own forum before committing.
The six parties aligning on the parallel campaign are Islami Andolon Bangladesh, Bangladesh Khelafat Majlish, Gono Odhikar Parishad, Amar Bangladesh Party, Khelafat Majlish, and Bangladesh Nezame Islam Party.
Each will hold its own press conference to unveil programmes under the joint platform, according to IAB spokesperson Gazi Ataur Rahman. Bangladesh Khelafat Majlish is scheduled to begin the round tomorrow, with its Ameer Muhammad Mamunul Haque expected to announce the first phase of action from the party’s Purana Paltan office.
The groups have put forward four demands: immediate execution of the July Charter, banning the Jatiya Party for what they describe as its role as “an ally of Awami League” and “an agent of India,” the introduction of proportional representation (PR) in the proposed upper house for the coming national election, and ensuring a genuine level playing field for all contestants.
Jalaluddin, secretary general of Bangladesh Khelafat Majlish, told reporters his party would begin with “soft political programmes” but warned that “tougher actions will follow if the government resists implementation.”
The move highlights deepening divisions among opposition blocs.
While BNP and several centrist parties have confirmed they will sign the charter, others remain undecided. BNP insiders said the party held a lengthy meeting last night to finalize its representatives for the National Consensus Commission.
Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir and Standing Committee member Salahuddin Ahmed are expected to be nominated, according to party sources.
Commission officials had asked each party to submit two names by Friday evening, following circulation of the final text on Thursday. Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus and other commission members convened late into the night at Jamuna, and insiders said the commission’s tenure-due to expire on September 15-may be extended until the end of the month.
Still, several parties have voiced reservations. Jamaat-e-Islami’s Assistant Secretary General Hamidur Rahman Azad said the party’s internal review was ongoing. IAB’s presidium member Ashraf Ali Akon noted that senior leaders were away on organisational tours and stressed that “signing is only possible if a legal framework is assured during the interim government.”
Leftist and progressive groups have raised their own objections. The Communist Party of Bangladesh (CPB) said it would not endorse the charter if a clause preventing judicial challenges remains.
Bangladesher Samajtantrik Dal (Marxist) criticised provisions on state principles and women’s representation in parliament. Gono Odhikar Parishad expressed frustration that the 2018 quota reform protests were not explicitly mentioned, despite acknowledgement of the broader student movement.
Others, such as Jatiya Samajtantrik Dal (JSD), confirmed their participation. General Secretary Shahid Uddin Mahmud Swapan said the party would send Vice President Tania Rob to sign on its behalf.
Commission Vice-President Prof. Ali Riaz said progress had already been made on provisions that could be implemented without constitutional change, noting that “some have already been enacted through ordinances and executive orders.”
On deeper reforms-such as electoral system restructuring-he said consensus must still be reached. “A few are fundamental to governance and structural change. These need to be prioritized if we are to see a new Bangladesh,” Riaz remarked.
As the clock ticks toward the commission’s deadline, the unresolved standoff reflects a widening gap: while some parties seek immediate, legally binding commitments, others appear willing to move forward on trust. Whether the July Charter can truly unify Bangladesh’s fractured opposition now hinges on how quickly that gap can be bridged.