Barguna: National Citizen Party (NCP) Chief Organizer for the southern region, Hasnat Abdullah, announced today that the party would sign the July Charter only after the interim government discloses the process by which the document would be implemented. 'We will sign the Charter only after the government makes it open for public scrutiny,' Hasnat stated during a press briefing following a coordination meeting of the NCP's Barguna unit held at the district Shilpakala Academy auditorium.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Hasnat highlighted the differing opinions on how the Charter's reform agenda should be executed, mentioning some suggestions for implementation through the next parliament, while others advocate for enforcement via a referendum. However, the NCP believes the Charter should be realized through a 'constituent assembly' after endorsement by Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus through a 'constitutional order'. Hasnat emphasized that the next parliament should undertake dual responsibilities, functioning both as a routine legislature and a constituent assembly, to effectively implement the July Charter.
The NCP leader also demanded a written explanation from the Election Commission (EC) regarding its refusal to grant the party its desired electoral symbol, the 'Shapla' or 'water lily'. Hasnat stressed the need for clarity, stating, 'We have repeatedly asked the Election Commission to explain under which policy it has allocated symbols to other parties. If they deny us the Shapla, they must provide a written legal explanation.'
Hasnat further expressed concerns over the Election Commission's lack of transparency in its policy or principles guiding the allocation of electoral symbols, fearing its neutrality could be compromised. He reiterated NCP's unwavering stance on both the reform and the Shapla symbol, affirming, 'Our position remains clear and consistent.'