Signed July Charter excluding ‘note of dissent’: Nahid

Nahid Islam, convener of the National Citizen Party, on Monday said that his party has signed the July National Charter, excluding what he described as a “note of dissent” attached by other political groups.

Speaking to reporters after the signing ceremony at the State Guest House Jamuna on Monday evening, Nahid said the NCP had earlier held back from endorsing the document over concerns about its legal standing and the inclusion of dissenting notes.

“We believe a note of dissent cannot be part of a final decision. There must be a clear and unambiguous position,” he said. 

He added that the promulgation of the July National Charter Ordinance addressed those concerns by providing a legal framework. “Following our demands, the ordinance was issued, which served as the legal foundation for the recent election and referendum.”

Nahid said the referendum delivered a public mandate in favour of reform and justice, and the NCP signed the charter on the understanding that this mandate would be fully carried out.

“With today’s signing, the July National Charter has reached completion,” he said. “From tomorrow, our responsibility will be to ensure implementation of reforms in line with the charter and the referendum order through the reform council.”

He stressed that by contesting the parliamentary election, the NCP is entering parliament with a clear reform agenda. “The people have entrusted us with this responsibility, and we are committed to fulfilling it,” he added.

Calling the day the final chapter of the interim government’s tenure, Nahid said the party attended the ceremony at the government’s invitation to formally endorse what he described as a document reflecting national consensus.

Among others, NCP Member Secretary Akhtar Hossain, Joint Convener Sarwar Tushar, Javed Rasin, Monira Sharmin, and Joint Member Secretary Zahirul Islam Musa, were present on the occasion.