The one-week deadline given by the caretaker government to political parties for guidance on implementing the July National Charter ended on Monday. By Sunday, no positive resolution had emerged, and disagreements over the charter’s implementation and street movement programmes have intensified. The government may now convene new discussions with the parties.
The Ministry of Law is preparing to issue the July Charter implementation order, with a draft expected to be presented at the Advisory Council meeting on Thursday. Key issues in the ongoing political crisis include issuing the implementation order, setting a date for a referendum, and noting dissent in reform proposals. The National Consensus Commission has submitted recommendations on the charter and its implementation to the Chief Adviser.
On 3 November, the government urged parties to reach a unified decision quickly. Despite discussions and meetings, no agreement has been reached. Parties have not accepted the consensus proposed after long dialogues with the National Consensus Commission.
As a result, differences have grown between BNP and Jamaat-e-Islami. While both support the referendum, BNP wants it held on the same day as the national election. They demand that matters of dissent be included in the referendum proposal and implemented according to the constitution and law. Jamaat, however, wants the referendum before the national election and insists no party’s dissent should be mentioned in the proposal.
Jamaat and seven other Islamic parties are conducting movements demanding five points. They have warned that if demands are not met by 10 November, a grand rally and strict programmes will be held in Dhaka on 11 November. BNP and other parties view this as a conspiracy to delay the national election.
BNP Standing Committee member Salahuddin Ahmed said, “There is no alternative to holding the referendum on the election day. Constitutional amendments must be passed through parliament.” Jamaat’s Assistant Secretary General Hamidur Rahman Azad said, “We are engaging in the democratic process, creating public opinion in an organised manner.” Chief Adviser’s Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam stated, “If parties cannot reach a decision, the government will take a responsible decision.”
GLIVE/TSN