Nahid Islam, Convener of the National Citizens’ Party (NCP), has expressed doubts over the signing of the July Charter if consensus is not reached on the proportional representation (PR) system.
“If there is no consensus on the PR system, we are doubtful about whether the July Charter will be signed,” he told reporters on Monday morning after meeting families of martyrs of the July Movement at the Jamalpur Circuit House.
Nahid said: The most critical issue is the Upper House. We had said it should be proportional to voters and follow the PR method. This Upper House is vital for ensuring balance of power and accountability. Since there has been no consensus on this, we are uncertain whether the July Charter can be finalised.
“Once consensus is reached, we will consider the matter of signing the charter. However, we want it to be prepared based on an all-party consensus by August 5,” he said.
In response to a question about the role of the police and administration, Nahid said, “They are not behaving neutrally. Discussions on elections will take place after the July Charter is finalised. Before any election, a level playing field must be ensured.”
The NCP is scheduled to hold its “July March” rally in Jamalpur on Monday. The march will begin from Tamaltala and conclude at Fauzdari with a street rally. After the Jamalpur programme, party leaders will head to Mymensingh.
On Sunday evening, after holding a march in Sherpur, central leaders of the NCP arrived in Jamalpur. They visited Al Jamiatul Habibia Qawmi Madrasa, the shrine of Hazrat Shah Jamal (R.), and the Doyamoyi Temple before spending the night at the Circuit House and various hotels in the city.
