United News of Bangladesh

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.    

Eminent jurist and Gonoforum Emeritus President Dr Kamal Hossain on Monday urged all to stay alert and committed to upholding the national unity that emerged from last year’s anti-fascist movement. “A national unity was formed among students, the public, and political parties during the July-August anti-fascist movement. Just as this power of the youth must be used to build the country, everyone must also be careful so that this unity created through the mass uprising is not broken,” he said. Dr Kamal made the call while speaking at a discussion meeting arranged by Gonoforum in memory of its late president Mostafa Mohsin Montu at the Institution of Engineers, Bangladesh. Fakhrul alleges political plot to derail election using Mitford murder He said keeping the national unity intact is essential for the country’s progress and democratic development. Speaking about reforms, the veteran politician said people’s demand for reforming important state institutions, which came out strongly during the mass uprising, cannot be ignored. He said the interim government must take urgent and capable steps to deal with the reform issues. Dr Kamal remembered Montu’s lifelong fight for democracy and justice. “He worked to establish a fair, democratic, and equal society free from discrimination,” he said. Montu, a freedom fighter and former lawmaker from Dhaka-3, died on June 15 while being treated at Square Hospital in the capital at the age of 79. Fakhrul alleges political plot to derail election using Mitford murder Speaking at the event, BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir recalled Montu’s role in the anti-fascist simultaneous movement. “The two things I remember most about him today are his firm stance on the Liberation War and democracy,” he said. The BNP leader said Montu’s death is painful for those who are fighting for democracy. “But the example he set offers much for political leaders and activists to learn from. Montu's soul will rest in peace if democracy returns to Bangladesh." Many other political leaders also spoke at the event and remembered Montu’s contributions to the democratic movements and the Liberation War. Nahid cites NCP's commitment to reforms, not against any party BNP Standing Committee member Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury, Nagorik Oikya President Mahmudur Rahman Manna, Bangladesh Jatiya Samajtantrik Dal President Sharif Nurul Ambia, Revolutionary Workers Party General Secretary Saiful Haque, Ganosamhati Andolon Coordinator Zonayed Saki, CPB General Secretary Ruhin Hossain Prince, and Bangladesh Mahila Parishad President Dr Fauzia Moslem, among others, spoke at the programme.