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.