The Jatiya Nagorik Party (NCP) has announced that it will not sign the July Charter unless it has a clear legal foundation.
Addressing a press conference at the party’s temporary office in Banglamotor, Dhaka, NCP Convener Nahid Islam stated, “The NCP will not participate in any drama that lacks legal legitimacy.”
He clarified that the July uprising was not intended to change power but to reform a fascist structure. “On this basis, we spoke about building a new Bangladesh,” he added.
Nahid Islam emphasized that the implementation order of the July Charter must be made public before any signing ceremony. “The Chief Adviser should issue the order, giving priority to the sovereign will of the people,” he said.
The NCP leader also stressed the need for political parties to reach a consensus on the draft of the implementation order before signing. “We want to review the draft text beforehand. Since the Chief Adviser has formed the government based on the strength of the July uprising, the order should be issued as head of government, not as president,” he explained.
He added that if the people approve the charter through a referendum, the next parliament will receive constituent powers to amend the constitution accordingly. “Most parties agree on this point, though it is still unclear whether any amendments will be made,” Nahid Islam said.
The July Charter proposes 84 reforms, which will be subject to a referendum. “There will be no separate effect for any note of dissent. The referendum questions must be finalized in advance,” he noted.
The press conference was also attended by NCP Member Secretary Akhtar Hossain, Senior Joint Convener Ariful Islam Adib, Convener Javed Rasin, and other central party leaders.
