Dhaka: Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr. Shafiqur Rahman today asserted that the July Charter must be given a legal basis, emphasizing that without such a foundation, there is no possibility of holding any election in 2026. Addressing an eight-party rally at Paltan intersection, Dr. Rahman stressed the importance of recognizing the July revolution and establishing a legal framework for the charter before the national parliamentary elections can proceed.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the rally was convened to press five key demands, including issuing an order to implement the July Charter and holding a referendum on the order by November. Dr. Rahman reiterated, "Those who will not accept the July revolution, there will be no election for them in 2026." He called for a referendum prior to the next national parliament election, asserting that the legal groundwork would be established through this process.
Dr. Rahman stated that the national election is scheduled for February, before the start of Ramadan, and warned against any attempts to create confusion regarding the election timeline. He highlighted the positive engagement of the eight parties with the National Consensus Commission and their unified stance without dissent.
Referring to the sacrifices made during the July movement, Dr. Rahman urged political parties to honor the martyrs and heed the people's demands. Quoting Maulana Mamunul Haque, he vowed that the movement would persist until the demands are met, with eight-party leaders planning further actions post-rally.
Islami Andolan Bangladesh Ameer Mufti Syed Muhammad Rezaul Karim echoed the call for legal recognition of the July Charter, emphasizing that a legitimate election requires a legal foundation. He criticized those proposing a referendum alongside the national election and accused the Awami League of seeking power retention, warning against delaying the pre-election referendum.
Rezaul Karim stressed that the public demands a national election based on the July Charter's legal foundation, urging the government to decide quickly on the referendum to avoid forcing a tougher movement.
The rally also featured speeches from leaders of Bangladesh Khelafat Majlish, Nezam-e-Islam Party, Jatiya Ganatantrik Party (JAGPA), and others. The demands of the eight parties include implementing the July Charter via a constitutional order, holding a referendum by November, introducing proportional representation in parliament, ensuring fair elections, and banning the Jatiya Party and 14-Party Alliance.
The eight Islamic parties involved are Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami, Islami Andolan Bangladesh, Khelafat Majlish, Bangladesh Khelafat Majlish, Bangladesh Khelafat Andolon, Bangladesh Nezame Islam Party, Jatiya Ganatantrik Party (JAGPA), and Bangladesh Development Party (BDP).