Dhaka, Oct 11: Several major political parties in Bangladesh, including the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), Jamaat-e-Islami, and the National Citizen Party (NCP), have stated that they will take a final decision on signing the ‘July National Charter 2025’ only after thoroughly reviewing its complete draft, local media reported.
The development comes amid growing differences over the implementation process of the charter—particularly regarding the timing of the referendum intended to secure public endorsement. Reports indicate that while the BNP and its allies have proposed holding the referendum alongside the national elections scheduled for February 2026, Jamaat, NCP, and other parties have insisted that it be conducted before the polls to maximize public engagement.
BNP leader Salahuddin Ahmed told Prothom Alo that holding both events simultaneously would be practical and cost-effective. “Our proposal—to hold the referendum on the day of the national election—is the most balanced and inclusive. Almost everyone agrees with it,” he said.
However, Jamaat and NCP leaders expressed caution. Jamaat representative Abdullah Mohammad Taher said the party would first examine the final contents of the charter before signing it. Another Jamaat leader, Mia Golam Porwar, stated that their decision would depend on how differing opinions and the referendum’s structure are reflected in the final document.
NCP joint convener Jabed Rasin said his party had yet to receive the final copy of the charter or details of its implementation. “We will decide our next steps after the Consensus Commission’s decision,” he noted.
Meanwhile, the National Consensus Commission (NCC) has targeted October 15–16 for the formal signing of the charter. NCC Vice Chair Ali Riaz confirmed that the Commission would submit its final recommendations to the government by October 10, according to UNB.
