Bangladesh: Political parties will review the concept of 'Julie National Charter-2025' before signing.

Dhaka, October 11 (IANS). Several political parties, including Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), the Radical Islamic Party James-E-Islami and the National Citizen Party (NCP), said they would make a final decision on the signing of the ‘July National Charter-2025’ to the entire concept. Local media has given this information. These latest developments come amid differences about the implementation of the charter, especially the timing of a referendum to get public approval. Reports indicate that although the GNP and its allies suggested that they hold the referendum, along with the national election to be held in February 2026, the Jamaate, NCP and several other parties argued that it should be held before the election. The GNP said it would be the practical and cost-effective to keep the referendum with the national election at the same time. The leading Bengali Daily Pratham Alo’s leading BNP leader, Salahuddin Ahmed, said: “We suggest to keep the referendum on the day of the national election is the most balanced and inclusive one. Almost everyone agrees with it.” On the other hand, James, NCP and many other parties said that the holding of the referendum would first increase the public’s attention and participation. Abdullah Mohammed Tahir, who led the Jamaate side during discussions with the consensus commission, spoke to Prothom Alo. Furthermore, Jamaate leader Mia Ghulam Porwar said the party would make a decision after seeing consensus and diverse views to be reflected in the charter and the structure and timing of the referendum. Meanwhile, NCP joint convener Jabed Raseen, who represented the party in conversation with the NCC, said the party had not yet received the final copy of the charter and details of its implementation. “We have not yet received the final copy of the July charter. In addition, information on its implementation has not yet been given. The NCP will determine the following steps based on the decision of the Consensus Commission,” Rasin said. The NCC announced on Wednesday that it is aimed at enabling political parties to sign the July National Charter 2025 by October 16. “The goal is to complete the formal signing of the Julie National Charter by political parties on October 15 and 16,” cited NCC-Vise President Ali Riaz (UNB), the NCC vise president. Earlier in July, the second phase of discussions between 30 political parties and the NCC was started in the midst of political uncertainty and instability in the country. Several political parties, including the James, NCP and the Islamic movement, raised objections to the draft National Charter in July. -—IANS DKP/