The interim government may hold talks with two major political parties – BNP and Jamaat-e-Islami – before finalising its decision on the implementation of the July Charter after the next meeting of the Council of Advisers on Thursday.
Sources in the government said Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus is likely to make an announcement following his final consultations with the advisers. “But prior to that, he may meet the top leaders of the two major parties,” said an aide to Yunus.
Following a special meeting of the Council of Advisers on Monday, the interim administration asked political parties to hold dialogue and reach a consensus on disputed issues, and report back to the government within a week.
The timing of a referendum has emerged as the sharpest point of dispute. BNP insists that any referendum must be held alongside the national election, while Jamaat argues it should take place before the polls.
Proportional representation (PR) in the upper house is another issue of rivalry. BNP has formally registered its dissent on the proposal, while Jamaat and its allies are demanding explicit inclusion of the provision in the July Charter.
No talks have taken place so far. BNP has refused to sit with other political parties, including rejecting an invitation from Jamaat for dialogue. The divide between the two sides has widened in recent days, with neither showing signs of compromise.
Their disagreement over the timing of a referendum and PR system reflects deeper strategic concerns about future political leverage, parliamentary configuration and control over constitutional change.
The interim government, positioned itself as a mediator, pressed for consensus before moving forward with reforms that could influence the structure of the next elected government and parliamentary system.
