Salahuddin Ahmed, member of BNP’s Standing Committee, has commented that the political parties participating in the National Consensus Commission’s discussions have advanced towards nearly a final decision regarding the implementation of the July Charter.
Responding to journalists’ questions after a meeting between the political parties and the National Consensus Commission at the Foreign Service Academy on Sunday afternoon, he said, “The National Consensus Commission called for discussions with all political parties today because we are at a final stage in the implementation process… Broadly speaking, it seems we have managed to move towards a final decision.”
Regarding the proposal for a referendum, Salahuddin said, “A question is whether we, all political parties together, represent the entire population or not. Therefore, if consent can be obtained from the people – whether the people are in favour of the fact that we, the political parties, have signed the July National Charter and are committed to it – only then will there be a final opinion from the people for the implementation of this July Charter.”
Simultaneously, he clarified that a constitutional amendment is not required for the referendum.
“The Article 142 regarding referendum, which the fascist Awami League government had dismissed, has been reinstated through a High Court verdict. Now, there is no provision anywhere else in the Constitution stating that a referendum cannot be held. Therefore, by issuing an ordinance, the Election Commission can be given the jurisdiction to hold a referendum using a separate ballot on the same day as the parliamentary election.”
He further said, “The public verdict that will come through the referendum is a verdict of sovereign power. Therefore, all Members of Parliament will be obliged to accept it.”
When asked if opponents of the July Charter become the majority in the next parliament, will they be bound to accept the public verdict, Salahuddin responded, “The public verdict is final… When it rules in favour, then that parliament and its members will be obliged to accept it.”
He further reminded, “Parliament is always sovereign… According to Article 78, proceedings within the National Parliament cannot be questioned in any court.”
When journalists asked about notes of dissent on various clauses of the July Charter at the meeting, he said, “The July Charter will be formulated, signed, everyone will sign the pledge… It will go on the website, it will be in all parties’ manifestos… The people will know what is in the July Charter. Those who get the mandate can proceed according to their note of dissent.”
