BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi on Monday called for discussions between the government and political parties to establish the “July Charter” based on the aspirations of the July-August mass uprising.
He said the charter should be brought under a legal framework through dialogue among all stakeholders and that constitutional amendments, if required, should be considered to prevent anti-democratic forces from exploiting loopholes in the system.
Rizvi made the remarks while speaking as the chief guest at a seminar titled “July memory and youth startups and the prospects of Bangladesh” at the International University of Business Agriculture and Technology (IUBAT) in Uttara.
Describing the July Charter as an important initiative, Rizvi said both the government and opposition parties could discuss its contents and make additions where necessary.
“Issues that need to be incorporated into the legal framework should be taken to parliament, while matters requiring constitutional amendments should be completed accordingly to establish the July Charter,” he said.
He urged all political parties to sit together and reach decisions through discussion, warning that failure to do so could create opportunities for anti-democratic forces to regain influence.
“With significant financial resources and support from abroad, they may try to become stronger again in different ways,” he said.
Recalling the sacrifices made during the July-August uprising, Rizvi said the contributions of those who lost their lives must never be forgotten.
Referring to the words of July uprising victim Mugdha – “Water, do you need water?” – he said the phrase had become a powerful symbol of the movement’s sacrifices.
Rizvi said the uprising had opened the way for a more democratic environment, adding that people now have greater scope to express criticism and participate in political activities without fear of enforced disappearance or extrajudicial killings.
“In a democratic society, the ability to speak and criticise freely is essential. July has ensured that right,” he said.
Emphasising the need for political consensus, the BNP leader said parties must maintain a minimum level of understanding on key national issues.
“Without such an understanding, democracy may face another crisis, and that could also affect the protection of the country’s independence and sovereignty,” he said.
Criticising the previous government, Rizvi alleged that democratic institutions, including the Election Commission and judiciary, were weakened and that the media faced extensive control.
He claimed the judiciary lacked independence and accused the Election Commission of conducting what he described as “farce elections.”
Rizvi also alleged that opposition parties faced repression, citing the imprisonment of BNP Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia as part of what he described as an attempt to weaken political opposition.
He said those who campaigned for democracy were targeted by the previous government in an effort to remain in power indefinitely.
The seminar was attended, among others, by Dhaka North City BNP Member Secretary Mostafa Zaman, former reserved-seat lawmaker Ferdousi Ahmed (Misti), AAB leader Engineer Abu Sayeed Chanchal, Jatiyatabadi Swechchhasebak Dal central Vice-President Zahidul Kabir and Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal central Vice-President Dr Towhidur Rahman Auwal.
