July Charter: Parties push for referendum

Abu Jakir:

Political parties participating in the National Consensus Commission’s dialogue have reached near-final agreement on holding a national referendum to legally and constitutionally legitimise the July National Charter, marking a crucial step toward concluding the months-long reform negotiations.

Speaking to reporters after Sunday’s session at the Foreign Service Academy in Dhaka, BNP Standing Committee member Salahuddin Ahmed said the parties were now in the “final stage” of the Charter’s implementation process. “We are at a point where a broad consensus appears to have been achieved,” he said.

Salahuddin explained that while political parties represent the people, a referendum would ensure direct public endorsement of the reform agenda. “If the people approve that we, the political parties, have signed and committed to the July National Charter, that will serve as the final mandate for its implementation,” he said.

He also dismissed concerns that constitutional amendments would be required to hold such a referendum. Citing Article 142 of the Constitution—reinstated by a High Court verdict after being removed during the Awami League era—he said the provision now allows for a referendum to be organised through an ordinance. “The Election Commission can be empowered to conduct it on the same day as the parliamentary election, using a separate ballot,” he suggested.

Salahuddin described the referendum as an act of “sovereign authority,” whose outcome would be binding on all lawmakers. “When the public votes in favor, the parliament and its members will be constitutionally bound to respect that verdict,” he said. Asked whether a future parliament dominated by Charter opponents would be obliged to comply, he replied, “The people’s mandate is final. Once given, it must be upheld.”

Echoing this stance, Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Assistant Secretary General Hamidur Rahman Azad said all parties, including the BNP, agreed on the need for a referendum to give the July Charter a strong legal foundation. However, Jamaat prefers that the referendum be held before the national election, rather than alongside it.

“We believe the referendum can be held in November or December—either before the election schedule or alongside it—so that polls can proceed smoothly in February,” Azad said. “If the referendum takes place, its outcome will be unchallengeable. Parliament cannot overturn it.”
He added that Jamaat would respect the people’s verdict, regardless of the result. “Even if the outcome goes against us, we will accept it. The people’s decision must prevail,” he said.

Sarwar Tushar, joint convener of the National Citizen Party (NCP), also confirmed that most parties were now united on the legal foundation of the July Charter. “Almost all parties agree that the Charter’s legal legitimacy must come first,” he said.

Tushar said the parties have discussed different legal pathways—including a Constitution Order, a Legal Framework Order, or a Referendum Ordinance—to authorise the process. “Whatever the name, it must enable a referendum, ideally on the same day as the general election,” he added.
He also proposed that the next elected parliament be vested with dual powers—to legislate and to enact constitutional reforms—ensuring that the Charter’s provisions can be formally embedded into the country’s governance structure.
Meanwhile, National Consensus Commission Vice-Chairman Professor Ali Riaz announced that the commission will soon submit its final report to the interim government. The statement followed a meeting at the state guest house Jamuna, chaired by Chief Adviser and Commission President Professor Muhammad Yunus.

The meeting reviewed the July Charter’s progress, focusing on its 84 proposed reforms and methods of implementation. Professor Yunus expressed satisfaction with the commission’s work and instructed members to present the final report “as soon as possible.”

Ali Riaz later told reporters that the commission had received “extensive cooperation from political parties and unimaginable support from the media.” If a complete consensus cannot be achieved, he said, the commission will propose multiple pathways for implementation.

At the fourth round of talks earlier in the day, Riaz noted that the commission aimed to reconcile differences among 30 political parties over how the Charter’s constitutional proposals should be applied. “If the parties can agree on a single proposal, we will gladly present it to the interim government,” he said.

The July National Charter, which outlines 84 reform measures covering governance, electoral systems, and constitutional restructuring, has reached its draft completion. However, the implementation mechanism remains under debate. The ongoing dialogue is expected to wrap up shortly, with the commission targeting October 15 to secure all party signatures and submit a final, unified document.

Professor Riaz stressed the importance of concluding the process before mid-October, as parties prepare for election campaigns. “We want to ensure their political activities continue unhindered,” he said. “If the parties can present a joint proposal, we will refine and submit it promptly. Consensus is our ultimate goal.”