Political figures, scholars, and members of civil society emphasized the critical nature of the upcoming week in shaping the direction of constitutional reform. The success of this endeavor hinges on the ability of political factions to find common ground. During a roundtable event in the capital city, participants expressed optimism that parties would take pragmatic stances to ensure national stability and uphold democratic principles.
The discussion, themed “Proposed July National Charter (Constitutional Reform) Implementation Order 2025: Citizens’ Expectations and the Need for National Unity,” was hosted by Nagorik Coalition in collaboration with Voice for Reform and the Bangladesh Research Analysis and Information Network (BRAIN). An analysis comparing two draft implementation orders within the July charter was presented at the gathering.
Shama Obaid, the Organizing Secretary of BNP, highlighted the ongoing uncertainty in the political landscape despite extensive deliberations. She stressed the importance of parties clarifying their positions promptly, as citizens eagerly await clarity on the way forward. Emphasizing the need for trust-building, she cautioned against rushing into a referendum without adequately preparing the electorate.
Supreme Court lawyer and Jamaat representative Shishir Manir questioned the commitment to reform within BNP, pointing out discrepancies in their stance. He urged a thorough review of the charter and draft orders to address concerns effectively and promote transparency in the process.
Khaled Saifullah, Joint Convener of NCP, noted the challenges posed by entrenched positions that hinder compromise. He advocated for a people-centric approach, emphasizing the referendum’s role in gauging public sentiment accurately.
Mojibur Rahman Monju, Chairman of Amar Bangladesh Party, criticized the public posturing of leaders, citing a lack of consistency in their positions, which fosters distrust among the populace. Zonayed Saki, Chief Coordinator of Ganosamhati Andolon, cautioned against politicizing the reform process, warning of potential disruptions to the transition.
Dhaka University Professor Asif Mohammad Shahan highlighted lingering ambiguities in the draft orders, particularly concerning provisions that could impact the authority of the forthcoming parliament. Syed Hasib Uddin Hossain, General Secretary of Rashtra Sangskar Andolan, emphasized the importance of executing the electoral process meticulously to meet the collective aspirations of all parties.
Author Rashed AM Titumir and Naeem Ahmad, Chief Organizer of Nagorik Coalition, shared their insights during the event. Fahim Mashroor, Joint Convener of Voice for Reform, moderated the discussions.
Amid escalating tensions over the July charter and the proposed referendum, the government called upon political entities to present a unified stance within the next week to resolve the existing disputes effectively.