BNP Standing Committee Member Salahuddin Ahmed has expressed optimism about Bangladesh’s democratic future through the implementation of the July Charter.
He made the comment in a conversation with reporters on Friday following the signing ceremony at the South Plaza of the Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban. Salahuddin also referred to the signing as a new chapter for the country.
“The full implementation of the July Charter will pave the way for a genuinely democratic state, and we eagerly await that day,” Salahuddin pointed out. Though he emphasised that significant work remains, he insisted the charter’s signing marks only the beginning of the journey.
“Most political parties have endorsed the charter, and we are hopeful that others will also sign it in the future, as the process is still open,” he added.
Salahuddin congratulated Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus, the National Consensus Commission members, and all political leaders who contributed to shaping and finalising the charter.
In response to the Chief Adviser’s invitation for political party discussions on the election process, the BNP leader reiterated that the Constitution already provides a clear framework for elections.
Referring to Article 65(2) of the Constitution, Salahuddin said, “Parliament will consist of three hundred members, elected from territorial constituencies by direct election, according to the law.”
He pointed out that the Election Commission is responsible for conducting elections, and the Constitution explicitly details how this should happen. “Therefore, there should be no confusion among the public on this matter,” he stated.
“That said, if the chief adviser wishes to have discussions on the issue, we are open to dialogue, as we always believe in conversations and consultations,” Salahuddin added.
Earlier, a significant delegation from BNP, led by Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, attended the signing ceremony.
Fakhrul and Salahuddin signed the charter on behalf of the party, alongside Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus, National Consensus Commission Vice President Professor Ali Riaz, and other political leaders.
According to BNP media cell member Sayrul Kabir Khan, over a hundred BNP leaders and affiliates were invited to the event, which began with the singing of the national anthem.
BNP leaders such as Mirza Abbas, Gayeshwar Chandra Roy, Dr Zahid Hossain, Dr Asaduzzaman Ripon, Lutfozzaman Babar, Zainul Abedin Farroque, Ismail Jobiullah, Abdul Hai Shikder, Enamul Haque Chowdhury, Khairul Kabir Khokon, Barrister Nasir Uddin Asim, Dr Mahdi Amin, Engineer Shahrin Islam Tuhin, Muktijoddha Dal President Ishtiaq Aziz Ulfat, Chhatra Dal President Rakibul Islam, and General Secretary Nasir Uddin Nasir were also present there.
