Dhaka: The National Citizens Party (NCP) has urged the interim government to announce the July Charter before setting a date for the elections, stating that doing otherwise might impede ongoing reform efforts. “Announcing the election date before the July Charter would disrupt the ongoing reform process. We have waited 16 years and have already waited 10 more months – we are ready to wait two more months if it ensures meaningful reform,” NCP convener Nahid Islam told reporters following a meeting with the Chief Adviser.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Nahid Islam explained that the discussion with the Chief Adviser covered three main points. The first was the progress on the July Charter, which the government had promised to release. The NCP strongly urged for the charter to be issued within the next 30 working days.
The second point raised was related to the upcoming anniversary of the mass uprising. With July approaching and the first anniversary of their democratic movement on August 5 nearing, the NCP emphasized the need for the July Charter to be finalized with signatures from all stakeholders and officially enacted within the month.
Nahid further expressed concerns that announcing the election date before the July Charter could hinder the reform process. “Therefore, we have urged the government-after waiting 16 years and 10 months-we are willing to wait another two months. And we want to give time to the government, collectively with all political parties,” he stated.
The NCP also indicated that once the July Charter is established, they expect the government to declare the election date. Only then will the party disclose its preferred timing for the elections.
Lastly, the party raised issues regarding the neutrality of the Election Commission (EC). Nahid stressed that a fair election is impossible without reforming the commission. He highlighted the necessity to revise existing laws related to polls and the Election Commission and called for the restructuring of the EC. He noted that the current process raises serious questions about neutrality and urged the government to address these concerns promptly.