AB Party chairman Majibur Rahman Manju has called on political parties to reach a consensus on the implementation of the July Charter, warning that “if we fail to arrive at an agreement or solution based on consensus, another uprising will be inevitable, and no one will have a way to escape.”
Manju made the remarks on Sunday during a break in the fourth-day discussions of the National Consensus Commission with political parties at the Foreign Service Academy in Dhaka, focusing on methods for implementing various constitutional proposals under the July Charter.
He expressed concern that prolonging the political crisis by raising unnecessary constitutional debates could destabilize the situation again.
“Since we have already agreed on the July Charter, it is unnecessary to create constitutional complications during its implementation. This is frustrating the people,” Manju said.
He suggested that the Chief Adviser, through the President, could issue a constitutional order, noting that the powers gained through the uprising include both amendment authority and state governance authority. “Having obtained these powers, why is new authority required?” he asked.
Referring to previous political crises, he added, “Sheikh Hasina created a political crisis, which we tried to resolve constitutionally through elections, but it was not possible. Ultimately, a mass uprising provided the solution.”
Addressing political parties, he warned, “If you again raise constitutional disputes and delay the implementation of the July Charter, another mass uprising will become unavoidable. It may require five to seven helicopters, and no one will be spared.”
Manju emphasized the public’s concern over whether elections will take place and urged all parties to set aside disagreements and achieve consensus. He also requested BNP to withdraw some of their ‘notes of dissent.’
The AB Party proposed a three-step implementation process for the July Charter.
The three-steps include issuing the charter through a ‘constitutional order’ by the Chief Adviser via the President, holding a referendum to gauge public opinion and consulting the Supreme Court’s Appellate Division either prior to or alongside the referendum.
“Constitutional amendments must be based on public consent. A referendum is essential to verify the people’s approval. On this matter, all parties have reached agreement,” Manju said. “Jamaat has suggested implementation through a constitutional order. Both positions are converging because public opinion through a referendum will leave no doubt about the people’s will.”
