United News of Bangladesh

Law Affairs Adviser Asif Nazrul on Tuesday (11th November 2025) said that a clear update on the implementation of the July Charter will be known within the next two to three days. “Political parties will provide us with a unified directive after internal consultations, as we had expected. However, we have not remained idle; we have continued working independently. Within the next three to four days, it will become clear what steps we have taken regarding the implementation of the Charter,” he said. The adviser was talking to reporters after a discussion on the draft amendment to the Legal Aid Provision Ordinance at the Judicial Administration Training Institute in Dhaka. He said the matter is being discussed at various levels of the Advisory Council. “We are coordinating with all parties’ expectations to ensure that actions taken serve the country’s and people’s interests.” Read more: July Charter signatories not bound by decisions beyond its scope: BNP to govt During the meeting, the National Legal Aid Agency presented the draft of the Legal Aid Provision (Second Amendment) Ordinance, 2025. The proposed amendment, emphasising recommendations from the Judicial Reform Commission and the National Consensus Commission, suggests transforming the agency into a directorate. The aim is to expand its scope, strengthen legal aid services, and enhance its operational capacity. Provisions include defining departmental responsibilities, forming a Legal Aid Advisory Council, establishing metropolitan committees, determining NGO operational areas and issuing accreditation certificates for mediators. Attorney General Md Asaduzzaman, Law Secretary Liaquat Ali Molla, former district judge M/otahar Hossain, BLAST Executive Director Barrister Sara Hossain, and Special Consultant Barrister Tanim Hossain Shawon, among others, participated in the session, providing constructive feedback and recommendations on the proposed amendments. Read more: No reason to worry about national election: Asif Nazrul

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Friday (7th November 2025) accused the interim government of creating a situation over the implementation of the July National Charter with the intention of delaying the national election. Speaking before inaugurating the party’s rally marking National Revolution and Solidarity Day, Fakhrul said the people of Bangladesh will not accept anything other than holding the national election and the referendum on the July Charter on the same day in February next year. “It is unfortunate that the interim government, which we fully supported, is now itself creating a situation so that the election may be disrupted,” Fakhrul said. He alleged that some political parties pushing for a separate referendum are also conspiring to foil the national election. Read more: Five BNP men wounded in Raozan gun attack “If there is a referendum, it must be held on the same day as the election, and that election must take place in February 2026. Otherwise, the people of Bangladesh will not accept anything else,” the BNP leader warned. Fakhrul said the BNP also extended full support to the interim government when it started working on reforms and preparing the National Charter. “For almost a year, they worked on drafting the Charter. On October 17, in front of the Parliament, all political parties signed the document based on consensus reached through the National Consensus Commission,” he said. The BNP leader, however, alleged that later, Consensus Commission Vice Chair Dr Ali Riaz, along with the Chief Adviser, came up with new proposals and recommendations that excluded several agreed points from the signed Charter. He said it was unanimously agreed that if any party had objections, those objections or notes of dissent would be recorded in the final document. “But that was not done. We did not accept it and made our position clear in a press conference.” Fakhrul said an adviser, at a recent press conference, stated that the advisory council had decided to give the political parties seven days to discuss among themselves and take a final decision on the implementation of the July Charter. “Then what was the point of holding seven months of meetings under the National Consensus Commission, discussing every reform proposal and reaching an agreement to sign the National Charter? How could that happen? You spent so much money on this process, yet it brought no solution for the political parties.” Read more: Prof Yunus orders security forces to hunt down attackers behind Ctg violence Fakhrul also criticised Jamaat and some other political parties for putting pressure to hold the referendum before the election. “Why should there be a referendum before the election? We have agreed to the referendum, but it must be held on the same day as the election. Holding two separate votes will cost a lot of money and disrupt the main national election,” he said. Fakhrul said the spirit of November 7 is the spirit of democracy. “Our party, the BNP, was born through reform. Our leader, President Ziaur Rahman Bir Uttam, initiated that reform.” He said BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman has given the nation a new Magna Carta through his 31-point reform outline. “We will move forward with that goal. We will take part in the upcoming election and, Insha’Allah, by winning it, we will build a new Bangladesh.” BNP Standing Committee Member Mirza Abbas also spoke at the event, accusing Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami of conspiring against the country’s independence and sovereignty. He urged Jamaat to stop all conspiracies to delay the election and the restoration of democracy. “Otherwise, BNP leaders and activists will resist them on the streets,” Abbas warned. Later, thousands of leaders and workers of BNP’s Dhaka South and North units took out a massive rally in front of the party’s Nayapaltan central office on the occasion of National Revolution and Solidarity Day, commemorating the “civil-military uprising” of November 7, 1975. The rally, which began around 4pm, ended at the Sonargaon Hotel intersection after parading through Shantinagar, Malibagh, Mouchak, Moghbazar and Bangla Motor. Carrying portraits and posters of BNP founder Ziaur Rahman, Chairperson Khaleda Zia and Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman, participants waved the party’s flags and the ‘sheaf of paddy’, its election symbol. Read more: BNP’s Mosharraf calls on people to unite for fair Feb election

BNP on Monday (3rd November 2025) nominated 10 women to compete for 12 seats among the 237 for which it announced candidates for the upcoming national parliamentary election. That leaves the party on course to meet the requirement of nominating at least 5% women candidates for the existing 300 parliamentary seats in the next election, according to the July Charter. BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir announced the names at a press conference held at the party Chairperson’s office in Gulshan. BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia has been nominated for three constituencies — Dinajpur-3, Feni-1 and Bogura-7. The other women candidates are Afroza Khan Rita (Manikganj-3), Tahsina Rushdir Luna (Sylhet-2), Farzana Sharmin Putul (Natore-1), Sabira Sultana (Jashore-2), Ishrat Sultana Ellen Bhutto (Jhalakathi-2), Sansila Jebrin (Sherpur-1), Sanzida Islam Tuli (Dhaka-14), Shama Obaed (Faridpur-2) and Chowdhury Nayab Yusuf Ahmed (Faridpur-3). At present, there are 50 reserved seats for women in the Jatiya Sangsad. Besides, under the Representation of the People Order (RPO), political parties must nominate at least 5 percent women candidates in direct elections. According to the Election Commission’s directive, all political parties are also required to have 33 percent women representation in their committees. BNP announces possible candidates for 237 constituencies The original target year for achieving this quota was 2020, but it has since been extended to 2030. In previous elections, the number of women directly elected to parliament has been limited. In the 1991 election, 5 out of 39 women candidates were elected, 8 out of 36 in 1996, 6 out of 38 in 2001, 19 out of 59 in 2008, and 18 out of 29 in 2014. In the 2018 election, 22 of 69 women candidates won, while in the 2024 polls, 19 women were directly elected. The National Consensus Commission has proposed increasing the number of reserved seats for women from 50 to 100. While most political parties have agreed to the proposal, BNP suggested that the upcoming election be held under the existing system, with the increase to take effect in the next parliament. Read more: Next election to determine Bangladesh’s future direction: CEC

The interim government on Monday urged the anti-fascist political parties to reach an agreement through discussions within a week on disputed issues such as the implementation of the July Charter and the proposed referendum. “Regarding the timing of the referendum — when it will be held and what its subject will be — as well as the steps to be taken in response to the notes of dissent in the July Charter, the meeting expressed the view that a final decision should be made urgently in line with the proposals made by the Consensus Commission,” said Law Adviser Asif Nazrul. Briefing reporters after a meeting of the Council of Advisers at the Chief Adviser’s Office, he said, “The meeting called upon the long-time allied political parties of the anti-fascist movement to hold discussions among themselves on their own and, if possible, to provide the government with a united guideline within the next week in this regard.” Professor Asif said that a united guideline from the political parties would make it much easier for the government to make decisions. “The meeting also emphasised that, given the current situation, there is no room for delay, and everyone must keep this in mind,” he observed. NCC recommends referendum, constitution reform assembly to implement July Charter The Adviser, however, said the government itself will not take any steps to arrange such discussions. He added that if the political parties fail to settle their disputes, the government will act on its own. Asif said the Council of Advisers reaffirmed the government’s commitment to hold the next parliamentary election in the first half of February 2026. He said the emergency meeting of the Council of Advisers was held to discuss the July Charter prepared by the National Consensus Commission and matters related to its implementation. The Adviser said the meeting thanked the National Consensus Commission and the political parties for their efforts to build unity on reform issues and for reaching agreement on many matters. Recommendations on July Charter implementation submitted to CA He said the Council of Advisers discussed the Consensus Commission’s proposed July National Charter, including finalising the Constitution Amendment Order and the holding of the referendum mentioned in the Charter, as well as the subject of that referendum. “It was observed at the meeting that despite long discussions within the Consensus Commission, there remain differing opinions on a few of the reform recommendations. The meeting also noted that disagreements have emerged among political parties over when the referendum should be held and what its subject should be,” the Adviser said. Replying to a question, Asif said the political parties have carried out the anti-fascist movement together for the past 15 years. “We want to give them a little more time. Let’s see if they can discuss among themselves and reach an agreement on the issues I mentioned.” Responding to another question, the Adviser said he had earlier stated that the final decision on the referendum and the implementation of the July Charter would be taken by the Council of Advisers under the leadership of the Chief Adviser. “We have not moved away from that position at all. Expecting a united recommendation from the political parties should be seen as a gesture of goodwill, not as backing down.” NCC holds review meeting with experts on July Charter implementation When a journalist asked whether the government would organise discussions for the political parties or whether they would sit and discuss on their own, Asif said the government has already held many discussions and is not going to organise any further meetings. He said the anti-fascist political parties have, over the past 15 years, discussed matters among themselves and taken many important decisions. “They have worked together during extremely difficult times and faced persecution together. We expect that they will discuss among themselves on their own initiative and provide us with a united guideline. Just yesterday (Sunday), I saw that one party has called for discussions, and we welcome that,” Asif said.    

National unity is crucial to defeat fascism and save the country, Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus said on Saturday. “We face a great challenge in shaping the future of this country. This challenge cannot be met by a single person, organisation, agency, or government alone. Unity among all political parties and factions is essential, and it must be maintained despite any adversity,” he said in a statement Saturday night. He also thanked the members of the National Consensus Commission for engaging with all active political parties and reaching an agreement to formulate and implement the July National Charter. Chief Adviser directs armed forces to prepare for election security Describing the charter as a historic achievement, the Chief Adviser said, “This document is invaluable for our nation. It will not only guide the upcoming national elections but also serve as a roadmap for future politics and strengthen our democracy.” Prof Yunus added that people expect reforms that will foster a democratic culture in Bangladesh, prevent any future dictatorship, ensure overall national development, and protect the civil rights and dignity of every citizen. “The most encouraging aspect is that these reforms have been agreed upon by us, not imposed from outside. In the past, foreign mediators, including representatives of the UN and friendly countries, have often intervened in Bangladesh’s political dialogue. But after the July mass uprising, the political parties decided to solve our own crisis internally. All parties have come together, engaged in political debate, and paved the way for a solution. Instead of relying on the world, we have presented our national unity as an example to the world,” he said. CA’s office asks officials to avoid foreign travels until election On behalf of the nation, he thanked all political leaders who worked tirelessly to make the charter possible, calling it a historic achievement. Claiming the July charter is a unique global example, the Chief Adviser said, “Nothing like this has happened anywhere else in the world. It will be a shining moment in political history. Other nations may consider forming a ‘Consensus Commission’ during times of crisis as a model for nation-building.” He also acknowledged the contributions of the Vice-Chairman of the National Consensus Commission, Professor Ali Riaz, members Dr. Badiul Alam Majumdar, Dr. Iftekharuzzaman, Safar Raj Hossain, Justice Emdadul Haque, Dr. Mohammad Ayub Mia, Special Assistant Monir Haider, and media representatives who covered the commission’s work for months.  “We must preserve the unprecedented unity we have achieved in state reforms. Fascist forces have devoted all their strength to divide the nation. For the past 15 months, we have unitedly confronted their various conspiracies. To defeat fascism and safeguard this country, there is no other option but to maintain national unity,” he added. Read more: BNP not to take responsibility for unsigned parts of July Charter: Fakhrul

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Saturday said their party will not take responsibility for any part of the July Charter that was added after the party had formally signed it. “Our position is very clear. We will take responsibility for the parts of the July Charter that we signed. But we won’t take responsibility for what we didn’t sign,” he said while speaking at a rally of freedom fighters. Fakhrul, however, said his party still wants these issues to be resolved through discussions. He recalled that when the Charter was signed in front of Parliament amid rain, it was agreed that the points all political parties supported would be signed, and the points they disagreed on would be recorded as a ‘note of dissent’ in the Charter. “We signed the Charter with that understanding. But now, in the proposal sent to the Chief Adviser, they have completely ignored those notes of dissent and added some new issues. This is unfair and deceptive to the people,” the BNP leader said. Even after such deception by the National Consensus Commission, he said BNP acted responsibly. “We held a press conference to express our position. We didn’t take to the streets, lay siege to the Chief Adviser’s residence, or to the Election Commission.” Read more: BNP to create 1 crore jobs if voted to power: Khosru Fakhrul criticised Jamaat-e-Islami for what he said is taking to the streets and forming alliances with some parties to put pressure on the government to act as they wish. The pro-BNP platform Jatiyatabadi Muktijoddha Dal organised the rally titled ‘The Upcoming National Parliament Election is Essential to Protect Freedom, Sovereignty and Democracy’ at the Jatiya Press Club, marking the upcoming National Revolution and Solidarity Day on November 7. About the upcoming election, Fakhrul said it should be held in February 2026 as announced by Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus. “Whether proportional representation (PR) will be introduced or not will be decided by the next parliament,” he said. The BNP leader also said his party agreed to a referendum although it was not necessary. “We agreed to hold the referendum on the same day as the election to save costs. Holding it separately would cost over Tk 1,000 crore.” He said their party proposed holding the election and the referendum on the same day with two ballots--one for the referendum and another for the election of parliament members. “But now they (Jamaat) are saying the referendum should be held first, and the election later. It is they who are talking about delaying the election, not us. We have always said the election should be held as soon as possible,” Fakhrul said. Read more: Fakhrul slams Jamaat for ‘spreading lies’ to mislead people ahead of election When Jamaat and other parties talked about reforms after the mass uprising, he said BNP took it positively as the party had already presented a 31-point reform plan in 2022. “Our leaders have discussed it (310-point) across the country. Most of the points now included in the Charter are already part of our 31-point outline. So how can anyone say that we don’t want reforms?” the BNP leader said. Fakhrul said it was wrong to claim that BNP does not support reforms. “We are in favour of reforms. But we want real reforms, not the kind of deceptive ones they are trying to push by misleading the public. We must make this clear before the people.” He said Sheikh Hasina, who is now in India, has been giving interviews to different media outlets there without showing any sign of remorse for her misdeeds and killing of people. “Not even once has she expressed any regret. When journalists asked her if she would apologise for her actions, she said, ‘No, we will not apologise.’ That same person, that same lady, is now spreading propaganda from India,” he said. He urged the Indian government to return Hasina to Bangladesh to face trial under Bangladeshi law. “We want to say clearly to the Indian government, please send her back to Bangladesh and ensure she faces trial under Bangladesh’s law. Do not always go against the people of Bangladesh. The people will not accept that.” Read more: BNP to revoke power sector indemnity provision if voted to power: Rizvi

The National Consensus Commission (NCC) on Tuesday recommended the interim government to arrange a referendum following immediate promulgation of the July National Charter (Constitutional Reform) Implementation Order 2025. “We’ve recommended the government to arrange a referendum any day till the national-election day from the promulgation of an order,” said NCC Vice-Chair Prof Ali Riaz. He said this replying to a question at a press briefing at the Foreign Service Academy after the submission of the recommendation report over the ways to implement the national charter before Chief Adviser of the interim government and also NCC chair Prof Muhammad Yunus at the latter’s residence, State Guest House Jamuna. Prof Ali Riaz said they placed two alternative recommendations before the interim government over how to implement the July National Charter 2025, particularly 48 reform recommendations that are related to the Constitution. “We requested and recommended the government to promulgate an order immediately. It will be the July National Charter (Constitution Reform) Implementation Order 2025. Under this order, the government will arrange a referendum. In that referendum, we have recommended the government to place one question before the people—whether they agree to implement the order and its schedule containing 48 constitutional reform issues,” he said.   Explaining the recommendation further, Ali Riaz said a Constitution Reform Assembly will be effective simultaneously with the 13th parliament to implement the July National Charter. But the tenure of the constitution reform assembly will be 270 days to implement the charter by bringing changes to the Constitution, he said. “During this period, members of the Constitution Reform Assembly will carry out all necessary amendments, additions, deletions, and modifications to incorporate into the Constitution the reform recommendations contained in the July National Charter and endorsed in the referendum,” he said. He said the elected representatives in the next general election will take oaths twice—once as members of the Constitution Reform Assembly and again as members of Parliament. An upper house (Senate) will be formed under the proportional representation (PR) system within 45 days after the 270-day tenure of the Constitution Reform Assembly. However, political parties will not be required to disclose their candidate lists for the upper house before the upcoming general election, he added. Talking about the alternative recommendation, Ali Riaz said the government shall promulgate an order framing a Constitution Amendment Bill on the 48 issues (incorporated in the schedule of the order) and then arrange a referendum on the order. If the referendum secures people’s approval, the bill will assist the work of the Constitution Reform Assembly. It will not be given merely for adoption, but to serve as a guide and support in their task, he said.  “If the Constitution Reform Assembly fails to complete its tasks within 270 days, the bill approved in the vote (referendum) will automatically replace the relevant constitutional provisions,” said the NCC vice chair. He said they firmly believe that the Constitution Reform Assembly will successfully accomplish its responsibility, and no such situation will arise where automatic implementation becomes necessary. Prof Riaz said they strongly believe that Bangladesh’s political parties and the elected representatives of the people would play their due role in performing this historic responsibility and lead the nation toward a new democratic journey. The referendum question will be: “Do you give your consent to the July National Charter (Constitution Reform) Implementation Order, 2025, and to the constitutional reform proposals contained in its Schedule-1?” The 48 reform recommendations are mostly related to the presidential election, the President’s powers and clemency, the tenure of the Prime Minister, holding more than one office by the Prime Minister, the caretaker government system, formation of a 100-seat upper house (Senate) under PR election, women’s representation in Parliament, selecting the Deputy Speaker and four key parliamentary committee chairmen from opposition MPs, allowing MPs to vote freely beyond their party stance except on two occasions—financial bills and votes of confidence in Parliament—appointment of the most senior Appellate Division justice as the Chief Justice, formation of a judicial appointment commission, decentralisation of the Supreme Court to divisional levels, and specific appointment processes for the Chief Election Commissioner, election commissioners, Ombudsmen, heads and members of public service commissions, the Comptroller and Auditor General, and the Anti-Corruption Commission chairman and commissioners, declaration of emergency, expansion of basic rights of the citizen, the fundamental principles of the state. The National July Charter 2025, however, contains a total of 84 reform recommendations, including the 48 related to the Constitution. Recommendations on July Charter implementation submitted to CA Prof Riaz said the NCC initially sought opinions of political parties on 166 reform proposals and held dialogues with them since March 2025. The second-phase dialogues, held since June 2025, focused on 20 fundamental constitutional reform questions. Later, the Commission conducted the third round of talks with 30 political parties to determine the best mechanism for implementing the July National Charter. On October 17, political parties, including BNP and Jamaat, as well as Chief Adviser and NCC Chair Prof Muhammad Yunus signed the July Charter at a festive ceremony at the South Plaza of Jatiya Sangsad, pledging to implement the reform document. So far, 25 political parties have signed the charter, while five parties—National Citizen Party (NCP), Communist Party of Bangladesh (CPB), Bangladesh Samajtantrik Dal (Basod), Basod (Marxist), and Bangladesh Jasod—have yet to do so. NCC members Dr Badiul Alam Majumdar, Dr Iftekharuzzaman, Justice Emdadul Haque, Safar Raj Hossain, Md Ayub Miah, Chief Adviser’s Special Assistant Monir Haider, and Chief Adviser’s Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam were present at the briefing.

The National Consensus Commission on Tuesday submitted its recommendations on ways to implement the July Charter to Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus. The Commission presented its recommendations at the State Guest House Jamuna before the members of the Council of Advisers. These recommendations outline ways to implement the July National Charter. Consensus Commission Vice-Chairman Professor Ali Riaz and commission members were also present. Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus on Monday highlighted the importance of preserving all documents, videos, audios and photographs related to the discussions from the formation of the National Consensus Commission to the formulation of its final recommendations, describing them as invaluable assets. NCC holds review meeting with experts on July Charter implementation “As a nation, we need to preserve and make accessible for everyone the context, process and decisions we have reached over time. All documents, including photos and videos of meetings, as well as all correspondence exchanged, should be systematically preserved and categorized. All discussions broadcast live on television should also be archived in segments,” he said. Prof Yunus said these records would serve as living documents of history. “Researchers should be able to access and use them. These documents will remain for generations and become central to future political discussions,” the Chief Adviser said while addressing the concluding meeting of the National Consensus Commission. The Chief Adviser expressed gratitude to the political parties, officials and staff of the Consensus Commission, researchers, and members of the media for their cooperation. The Commission members called on the government to take immediate steps to finalise the outline for implementing the July National Charter and to carry out the recommendations of other reform commissions.  

Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus on Sunday expressed satisfaction with the progress made by the National Consensus Commission, which is expected to submit its final report soon. Prof Yunus, who also serves as the chief of the Commission, thanked all its members for their dedication and directed them to update him on the final stages of the Commission’s work as soon as possible. Vice-Chairman of the Commission Prof Ali Riaz said the National Consensus Commission will present its final report to the interim government soon. These issues were discussed during a meeting of the National Consensus Commission, chaired by Prof Yunus, at the State Guest House Jamuna on Sunday morning. Consensus Commission reviews final phase preparations for July Charter During the hour-long meeting, the Commission members reviewed the positions of various political parties on the contents of the July Charter, its proposed implementation methods and the Commission’s stance on related issues. Prof Ali Riaz said the Commission has received extensive cooperation from all political parties and unprecedented support from the media. Members of the Consensus Commission and advisers to the interim government were also present at the meeting.

Attorney General Md Asaduzzaman on Friday said that there is no legal barrier to implementing the July Charter in line with the decision of the National Consensus Commission (NCC). He made the remarks while attending a views-exchange meeting with journalists at Johan Dream Valley Park in Jhenaidah town. The attorney general said the government will take decisions regarding officials who were involved in major crimes during the Awami League regime, considering their offences. Asked whether a neutral election is possible under the current administration, he said the Election Commission is aware of the matter and he believes it will form a neutral administration ahead of the polls. July Charter: Parties still divided on constitution order He also said that people change the structure of the state when they feel insecure under any fascist rule and they protest, and sacrifice their lives for the country. Chaired by Jhenaidah Press Club president Asif Kazal, the meeting was attended, among others, by district BNP president Advocate MA Majid and journalist leaders.