BNP has called for recognising the historic July Charter as a “political charter” rather than incorporating it into the constitution, arguing that the ideals of the liberation war should remain paramount.
Student leaders who led the 2024 mass uprising had pushed for replacing the current constitution with a new declaration through the July Charter. Following their announcement on 31 December last year, the interim government took charge of drafting the text and circulated a three-page draft to political parties for feedback.
The draft outlined the backdrop of the July uprising, constitutional challenges, the 1/11 military-backed events, 15 years of Awami League rule, and a vision for a new state system.
In its feedback, BNP proposed placing the liberation war’s spirit as the first priority, while also highlighting 7 November, the 1990 student-led anti-autocracy movement, and the 5 August student uprising. It insisted the July proclamation should remain a political rather than a constitutional instrument.
BNP Standing Committee member Salahuddin Ahmed explained: We addressed the glorious liberation first, followed by the November Revolution, the 1990 anti-military uprising, and the 5 August student movement. The charter has no constitutional or legal bearing, but it is a historic and political document.
Leaders of allied parties broadly supported BNP’s stance.
Revolutionary Workers Party’s General Secretary Saiful Haque said, “Under exceptional circumstances, people’s demands shaped the proclamation. It is fair to discuss its legitimacy and recognition– maybe in the future parliament can talk about whether to grant it constitutional status.”
“If we constitutionalise this, then every past movement’s declaration would need to be included. We believe it should stand as a national charter reflecting our struggles,” said Redwan Ahmed of the Liberal Democratic Party