Government faces complications in implementing the July Charter; uncertainty over referendum and election timing

Nov 01, 2025
Politics

Photo: Chief Adviser Professor Dr. Muhammad Yunus presides over the Advisory Council meeting at his office on Thursday (Collected)

Staff Reporter | PNN:

The government is facing complications in implementing the July National Charter due to sharp disagreements among political parties. Although the structure of the Charter’s implementation and the timing of the referendum were discussed in the Advisory Council meeting, no final decision has yet been made. However, sources indicate that the government is preparing to take action soon.

During Thursday’s meeting of the Advisory Council, Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus sought members’ opinions on whether the national parliamentary election and the referendum should be held simultaneously. While most advisers supported holding both votes together, the Chief Adviser decided to withhold a final decision for now.

Meanwhile, the National Consensus Commission, in its recommendations submitted to the government last Tuesday, suggested that constitutional amendment proposals should be passed through a referendum and that parliamentary reforms should be completed within 270 days. However, the Commission left the decision regarding the timing of the referendum to the government.

On the other hand, the BNP and several political parties have questioned the authority of the interim government to organize a referendum before the general election. They argue that, according to the constitution, the interim government does not have such powers. Conversely, parties like Jamaat-e-Islami and a few others are demanding that the referendum be held by mid-November.

At a press conference at the Foreign Service Academy on Thursday afternoon, Legal Adviser Professor Asif Nazrul said, “Even after 270 days of discussions, the division among political parties remains a matter of deep concern. The path to implementing the Charter has now become a serious challenge.”

He further stated that the government is currently considering two options—holding the referendum together with the election or organizing it separately beforehand. “Either way, we will make a quick decision and stand firm by it,” said Asif Nazrul.

Interim government’s Adviser on Environment and Climate Change Syeda Rizwana Hasan said, “The government is analyzing the proposals with utmost seriousness. Very soon, the roadmap for implementing the Charter and the schedule for the referendum will be announced.”

According to government insiders, preparations are underway to hold the national parliamentary elections in early February. However, observers believe that if the referendum and election are held simultaneously, it could mark the beginning of a new chapter in the country’s politics.