Tensions are escalating in the political arena over demands to give the July Charter a legal foundation and hold the next parliamentary polls under a proportional representation (PR) system.
The Muhammad Yunus-led interim government is under immense pressure as major political parties, including the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), Jamaat-e-Islami, National Citizen Party (NCP), and Islami Andolan hold firm on their respective positions.
Ahead of the 13th parliamentary polls, scheduled for February next year, the BNP strongly opposes the idea of holding the election under the PR system, while other parties insist on implementing the method outlined in the July Charter.
Jamaat, NCP, and Islami Andolan have been vocal in both public protests and negotiations, calling for legal recognition of the July Charter before the election.
They are campaigning to ensure the Charter is legally recognised and the election conducted under the PR system.
NCP leaders argue that while they have made compromises on the July Declaration, they will not yield on the charter or the PR system. If needed, they plan to launch street movements to increase pressure on the interim government.
In a bid to address the opposing stances, National Consensus Commission Vice-Chairman Ali Riaz met with Chief Adviser Yunus last Thursday.
After the meeting, Riaz told reporters that the commission briefed the CA on consensus reached among political parties, and highlighted pending issues.
“Expert opinions are being sought to determine what is required to give the July Charter legal status,” Riaz said, adding, “Everything will ultimately be settled through dialogue.”
He emphasised that political leaders need to show more flexibility to reach consensus.
On Saturday, Jamaat Secretary General Mia Golam Parwar reiterated that the next national election must be held under the PR system.
“We believe the people of the country will also accept it,” he said at a programme in Narail.
Such a stance from Jamaat, which was once a key ally of the BNP during the Awami League-led regime, places the BNP in a difficult position.
BNP leaders argue that it is not essential to immediately give the July Charter legal standing or to conduct the election under the PR system.
They point out that the NCC had already agreed that whichever party forms the government after the election would gradually implement these measures over the next two years.
There is no need to put anyone under pressure, BNP leaders said, stressing that talks will continue if necessary.
BNP Standing Committee member Salauddin Ahmed said extensive discussions on the July Charter have been held, with most points agreed upon.
“We still want to cooperate fully with the government and the Consensus Commission,” he told TIMES of Bangladesh.
Meanwhile, NCP Convener Nahid Islam stated that while they compromised on the July Declaration, there would be no concessions on the July Charter.
NCP Chief Coordinator Nasiruddin Patwary also warned that the election would not be held in February if their demands are not met.
In response, several government advisers dismissed these remarks, assuring the public that the election would go ahead as planned.
“The upcoming general election will be held in February as announced by the chief adviser,” Home Adviser Jahangir Alam Chowdhury confirmed.
“We are strictly adhering to the timeline. The election will take place as per the announcement, and there is no need to pay attention to speculative comments,” he added, addressing concerns about a possible delay.