BNP is seeking what it describes as an “honourable solution” to the disputes surrounding the implementation of the July National Charter and a proposed referendum. Party leaders say they are ready to make further concessions, if necessary, to ensure that the national election takes place as planned in the first half of February next year.
Although BNP has raised questions about the role of the National Consensus Commission (NCC) in preparing its recommendations, the party is not yet planning to launch a fresh street movement. Senior BNP figures fear that heightened political tension could lead to the postponement of the election — an outcome the party is determined to avoid.
Instead, BNP wants the interim government to take the initiative to bring political parties to the negotiating table to find a broadly acceptable compromise.
Party insiders say that if the government opens talks, the BNP will not oppose a “dignified compromise.”
On the impasse, BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir told TIMES of Bangladesh: “The crisis was not created by us, but we want a solution. We want the election to be held on time. The government and the consensus commission are responsible for this deadlock, so it is for them to find a way out.”
“Once dialogue begins, the path forward will become clear. However, the election must take place as scheduled, and the referendum must be held on the same day — otherwise, the people will not accept any alternative arrangement,” he added.
Internal discussions and party strategy
Following the submission of the NCC’s recommendations to the government, senior BNP leaders held several rounds of internal meetings, with the party’s acting chairman Tarique Rahman joining virtually from the UK. In these discussions, the leadership reaffirmed its stance that the national election must not be delayed under any circumstances and that the referendum should coincide with polling day.
A BNP standing committee member, speaking anonymously, said the party recognised the need for compromise despite frustrations over the interim government’s conduct.
“Although there is resentment over how the interim government has behaved, a settlement is necessary,” he said. “There is no alternative to a solution. Otherwise, conspirators will find ways to push the election back.”
Outreach and political context
BNP leaders say the party hopes to meet Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus soon as part of efforts to resolve the crisis. If the government invites political parties to a formal dialogue, BNP plans to clearly outline its position there.
The party remains opposed to holding the referendum before the election, arguing that both exercises should take place on the same day. In contrast, the Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami has insisted that the referendum must be held before the vote.
Over the past year, between 30 and 35 political parties have taken part in the NCC consultations. On 17 October, 24 parties, including BNP, signed the July Charter. Eleven days later, on 28 October, the commission’s vice-chairman, Professor Ali Riaz, submitted the final recommendations to Chief Adviser Yunus.
According to the commission’s report, the government will issue a special order authorising the holding of a national referendum. If the proposal is approved, the new parliament will be required to amend the constitution within 270 days. The commission, however, left the timing of the referendum to the discretion of the government.
BNP’s objections
BNP leaders have accused the commission of disregarding their views in the final document. They argue that, under the current constitution, the interim government lacks the authority to issue any special order to implement the charter, and that holding a referendum before the national election would be “both unnecessary and unconstitutional.”
Despite these objections, BNP appears reluctant to escalate tensions, wary that political unrest could provide grounds for delaying the vote.
Pressure from other parties
Meanwhile, eight parties, including Jamaat, are continuing a street campaign based on five key demands, one of which calls for the referendum to be held by November.
The National Citizen Party (NCP), which also took part in the NCC process, has adopted a wait-and-see approach. Its leaders have said they will review the government’s next steps before announcing their position on whether the referendum should coincide with or precede the election.
