- May 02, 2026
Staff Reporter | PNN:
BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir has stated that the interim government does not have the constitutional authority to issue the order for implementing the July National Charter, and organizing a referendum before the national election is unnecessary, unreasonable, and ill-advised.
He made these remarks at a press conference held by the BNP Standing Committee at the Chairperson’s political office in Gulshan, Dhaka, on Thursday afternoon. The press conference followed an emergency meeting of the BNP Standing Committee on Wednesday night, the outcomes of which were announced today.
In his written statement, Mirza Fakhrul said, “The government intends to issue an order to implement the July National Charter 2025 regarding constitutional amendments. According to Article 152 of the Constitution, this falls under the authority of the President. Therefore, the government has no right to issue such an order.”
He further added, “The recommendations for charter implementation did not include the opinions, dissenting views, or notes of dissent from political parties. In other words, the consensus of the commission is unilateral and is being forcefully imposed on the nation. Despite long discussions, the views of political parties have been ignored, which wastes time and resources and deceives the nation.”
Regarding the referendum, Mirza Fakhrul stated, “The national election is scheduled for February 2026. Holding a referendum before that election is impossible. Due to time constraints, enormous costs, and manpower management including law enforcement, a pre-election referendum is unreasonable and unnecessary. It would be preferable to conduct the national parliamentary election and referendum on the same day.”
He also noted that among the recommendations submitted to the government for implementing the July National Charter, the differing opinions or notes of dissent from political parties were not properly reflected. Certain proposals, such as displaying a picture of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman in offices, were not included in the charter. Mirza Fakhrul warned, “Accepting fabricated reform proposals could bring long-term harm to national life.”
Mirza Fakhrul’s statements made it clear that the BNP opposes the government’s proposed implementation of the July National Charter and does not consider holding a pre-election referendum justified.
