Eight political parties, including Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami, Islami Andolan Bangladesh, have submitted separate memorandums to Chief Election Commissioner (CEC), demanding that a national referendum be held in November to give legal recognition to the “July National Charter.”
The delegations met the CEC AMM Nasir Uddin at the Election Commission headquarters in Agargaon on Thursday afternoon, where EC Senior Secretary Akhtar Ahmed was also present.
In the memorandums, the parties urged the Commission to retain the amended Representation of the People Order (RPO) without further changes and to ensure a level playing field in the upcoming 13th National Parliamentary Election.
Following the meeting, Jamaat-e-Islami Assistant Secretary General Maulana Abdul Halim told reporters that the July Charter remains the most discussed political issue in the country.
“Twenty-five political parties have already signed the July Charter. We told the Election Commission that the referendum must be completed within November,” he said. “Some parties have suggested amendments to the RPO, but we have clearly stated that it should remain exactly as it is. The Commission has taken note of our eight-party demand.”
When asked whether they issued any ultimatum to the CEC, Abdul Halim replied, “We did not give any ultimatum today. However, our eight-party has decided to wait a few days after submitting the memorandum. The top leaders will meet again on November 3 to review the situation and announce the next course of action.”
He further warned that any group opposing the “July spirit” would face rejection by the public. “All of these initiatives originate from the context of July. If the referendum is not held first, the upcoming national election will be called into question,” the Jamaat leader said.
The eight parties that submitted memorandums to the Election Commission are Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami, Islami Andolan Bangladesh, Bangladesh Khelafat Majlis, Khelafat Majlis, Bangladesh Nezami Islami Party, Khelafat Andolan, Jatiya Ganatantrik Party (JAGPA), Bangladesh Development Party.
Before submitting the memorandums, leaders and activists from the eight parties held a brief rally in front of the Election Commission building.
