Implementation of July Charter: Disagreements Among BNP, Jamaat, and NCP Over Timing and Method of Referendum

 PNN News Desk | Dhaka:

Disagreements have emerged among political parties regarding the timing and method of a referendum for implementing the July Charter. While the BNP supports holding the referendum on the same day as the national election, Jamaat-e-Islami and the National Citizens’ Party (NCP) prefer it to take place before the national election.

The National Consensus Commission concluded the final day of its discussions at the Foreign Service Academy on Wednesday. During the five-day deliberations, the commission coordinated the advice of experts with the opinions of political parties and plans to submit its recommendations to the government within the next two to three days regarding the implementation of the July Charter.

Commission Vice-Chair Professor Ali Riaz stated that the recommendations will include organizing the referendum, determining the questionnaire, documenting dissenting opinions, and granting structural powers to the parliament for constitutional amendments.

Salahuddin Ahmed, a member of the BNP Standing Committee, said organizing a referendum before the national election would be extremely challenging and costly. Therefore, they support holding it on the same day as the national election. On the other hand, Jamaat-e-Islami prefers the referendum to be conducted in early or mid-November.

The National Consensus Commission said the referendum will allow citizens to express their views transparently, and the upcoming parliament will implement the decision. The commission expects the signing of the July Charter to be completed between October 15 and 17.