Jamaat-e-Islami, National Citizen Party (NCP), and Islami Andolan Bangladesh voiced objections to the draft of the July Charter, demanding it be placed within a legal framework to ensure its implementation.
Their main concern centers on the provision stating that the proposed reforms in the charter would be implemented within two years of forming a government through elections. The parties argue that without legal backing, the reform process could fall into uncertainty.
However, the BNP has expressed broad agreement with the draft.
The objections emerged during discussions between the parties and the National Consensus Commission at the Foreign Service Academy. The commission has asked all parties to submit their formal opinions by Wednesday afternoon, aiming to finalise the charter by Thursday.
Discussions with political parties on key issues, including a caretaker government framework, women’s representation in parliament, and constitutional appointments, however. are still ongoing, with consensus lacking on several points.
Jamaat leader Syed Abdullah Mohammad Taher described parts of the charter as “dangerous,” insisting on legal validity either through an ordinance approved by parliament or a public referendum.
NCP’s Akhtar Hossain emphasised including all core reform issues and proposed a “Legal Framework Order” to prevent future governments from disregarding agreed reforms.
Islami Andolan Bangladesh, meanwhile, criticised the draft for lacking binding legal authority and failing to name what it called the “key perpetrators” of past authoritarianism.
The BNP, however, stated its overall alignment with the draft, while reserving some observations on wording and structure.
Party leader Salahuddin Ahmed confirmed BNP’s support for the commitments outlined in the draft but reiterated the party’s preference for state recognition of the July Charter and Declaration rather than constitutional inclusion, citing potential legal complexities.
As the National Consensus Commission continues discussions, eight of the 20 key reform proposals remain unresolved. The commission hopes to integrate feedback and finalise the charter by July 31.
BNP favours state recognition, not constitutional status
Meanwhile, BNP has decided to support state recognition, rather than constitutional inclusion, of the July Charter and July Declaration. Party policymakers believe granting constitutional status to these documents, born out of the 2024 mass uprising, could create future legal and political complications. They argue that if another uprising occurs against an authoritarian regime, similar constitutional recognition demands could arise.
During a meeting of BNP’s Standing Committee on Monday night, chaired virtually by acting chairman Tarique Rahman, the party agreed to this stance., sources concerned said.
The meeting reviewed the draft July Charter 2025 and the final draft of the July Declaration sent by the National Consensus Commission. BNP leaders approved the documents in principle but suggested linguistic and structural revisions, which have already been submitted to the commission.
BNP agrees with most of the seven commitments in the draft charter, including implementing agreed reform proposals within two years of forming a government. However, it opposes constitutionalizing the charter or declaration, citing historical parallels, such as the late inclusion of the 1971 Declaration of Independence in 2011, which later faced legal challenges.
Instead, BNP wants the July Declaration preserved as an official political document in the state archives, emphasising it does not need to be enshrined in the constitution. While BNP considers discussions on the July Declaration concluded, it remains committed to continued dialogue on the July Charter, focusing on reform implementation.
