Jamaat-e-Islami’s Assistant Secretary General Hamidur Rahman Azad has proposed implementing the July National Charter through a referendum or a provisional constitutional order.
He made these remarks at the meeting of the National Consensus Commission held at the Foreign Service Academy in the capital on Sunday.
Hamidur Rahman Azad stated that two legal processes have been proposed from Jamaat’s side for the implementation of the “July Charter 2025.” The first is to issue a Provisional Constitutional Order, for which there is historical precedent. The second is to seek public opinion through a referendum.
He said, “We have presented two options – one is a Provisional Constitutional Order to establish a legal basis. There are references: Such orders or proclamations were issued in 1970, 1977, and 1991. The second is a referendum. If political parties cannot reach a consensus, we can go to the people’s verdict.”
Referring to allegations of irregularities in two recently held central student union elections, he said these incidents have raised concerns about the national election.
“The two student union elections have somewhat worried us. The signs of influence over the election environment and result announcements we have observed could be negative signals. Whether this will impact the national election is a concern, which is why we want the national election to be held under a neutral and acceptable administration,” he said.
Supporting the idea of allowing sufficient time for discussions on the National Charter, he said, “If you wish to extend this entire month and agree to it, we have no objection. If extending the time helps us reach a consensus, we would welcome it.”
Welcoming the government’s ongoing reform process, Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami’s Secretary General Hamidur Rahman Azad said this initiative could form the foundation for a future Bangladesh if implemented based on national consensus. He proposed declaring a national document as the outcome of the ongoing discussions, suggesting that the “July National Charter 2025” should outline the future state structure.
He said, “The government’s commitment was to prioritise reforms. This will remove the deep-rooted corruption, flaws, deviations, ruins, and debris that had accumulated in the state system over time and lead Bangladesh toward a new path.”
He further stated that among the three major commitments the government made to the people were reforms, the trial of genocide, and holding a fair and acceptable election in a festive environment.
Hamidur Rahman Azad expressed hope, saying, “The nation’s eyes are now on the outcome of these discussions. Only by finalising this National Charter with a solid legal foundation can the national election be fair, impartial, and acceptable. The world will then see Bangladesh as a model.”
He added, “This Charter will be our national document. Based on this document, good governance, democracy, justice, and accountability will be ensured in a future Bangladesh.”
