Political parties agree to hold referendum on July Charter implementation: Ali Riaz

National Consensus Commission Vice President Professor Ali Riaz said on Sunday that political parties have reached a consensus on holding a referendum to implement the July Charter.

“There has been progress in today’s discussions. The parties have agreed on a referendum to ensure public participation in implementing the charter,” he told the reporters after a meeting with parties on Sunday.

“This is the first step, and we are hopeful that political parties will unite further on other aspects as well,” he added.

Riaz noted that the parliament to be formed through the February election must be structured in a way that enables it to enact fundamental reforms and ensure sustainable constitutional amendments.

Riaz emphasised that the parliament to be formed through the upcoming February election must be designed to implement essential reforms and facilitate sustainable constitutional amendments.

He noted that while some political parties had earlier suggested seeking the Supreme Court’s opinion under Article 106 of the Constitution, many have since softened their stance.

“Several parties are now showing flexibility and moving closer to a common ground for national consensus,” he said.

Riaz also mentioned that representatives from nearly three-fourths of the 30 registered political parties have already submitted their names to sign the July Charter, reflecting growing unity around the reform agenda.

Voters will be able to cast their votes on separate ballot papers on the day of the general elections regarding the implementation of the July Charter, a source present at the meeting said.

During the meeting, political parties differed on their opinions over the timetable of the referendum.

According to sources, BNP pushed for the referendum simultaneously with the 13th parliamentary elections, while Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami demanded that the referendum be held before the elections.