Parties nearing decision on July Charter referendum: Salahuddin

Political parties engaged in the National Consensus Commission dialogue are close to reaching a final agreement on the implementation of the July National Charter, said BNP Standing Committee member Salahuddin Ahmed on Sunday, October 5.

Speaking to reporters after the day’s meeting at the Foreign Service Academy, Salahuddin said, “We are now in the final stage of the process to implement the July Charter. It appears that we have broadly moved towards a final decision.”

Addressing the proposal for a national referendum on the Charter, the BNP leader said that while political parties have signed the July National Charter, the ultimate legitimacy must come from the people. “Whether we, the political parties, represent the entire population or not is a valid question. Therefore, if the people endorse the Charter through a referendum, that would reflect their final opinion on its implementation,” he said.

He clarified that no constitutional amendment would be necessary to hold such a referendum. “Article 142, which had allowed for referendums and was repealed by the fascist Awami League government, has already been reinstated through a High Court verdict,” Salahuddin claimed. “There is no provision in the Constitution that bars holding a referendum. An ordinance can authorise the Election Commission to conduct it—on a separate ballot alongside the parliamentary elections, on the same day.”

According to Salahuddin, the outcome of the referendum would represent “the verdict of sovereign power”, binding on all future members of parliament. “Once the people give their verdict in favour of the July Charter, all MPs, regardless of their position, will be compelled to accept it,” he said.

When asked what would happen if a majority of MPs in the next parliament opposed the Charter, Salahuddin replied, “The referendum is final. If it is in favour, then that parliament and its members are bound to accept it.”

He, however, reminded that parliament remains sovereign under the Constitution. “According to Article 78, parliamentary proceedings cannot be questioned in any court,” he said, suggesting that the referendum’s legitimacy would coexist with parliamentary sovereignty.

Responding to a question about dissenting notes on certain clauses of the Charter expressed during the meeting, Salahuddin said, “The July Charter will be drafted, signed, and made public. It will be uploaded online, included in every party’s manifesto, and the people will know exactly what it contains. Those who receive a mandate will be able to act according to their note of dissent.”

Concluding his remarks, Salahuddin emphasised that the July Charter and the proposed referendum were aimed at securing national consensus before the next parliament convenes. “Many are already talking about the next parliament—but what other platform do we have besides that? If you ask us, this is where the future of national unity will be tested,” he said.