Political Tension over the Implementation of the July Charter and the Election

An eight-party alliance, including Jamaat-e-Islami, is set to hold a rally today demanding the implementation of the July National Charter and five points including a referendum before the national parliamentary election. The rally will begin at 2 p.m. at Dhaka’s Paltan. Jamaat has already warned that if their demands are not met, the scenario of the capital will change on November 11.

Meanwhile, the one-week deadline given by the interim government to the political parties regarding the implementation of the July Charter expired yesterday, Monday. The decision now rests with the government. The BNP and its allies remain firm in their stance. At the same time, rumors are swirling about secret meetings between parties and hidden political strategies.

In a statement yesterday, Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami claimed that the news about a secret meeting between its Secretary General Mia Golam Porwar and Jatiya Party’s Secretary General Shamim Haider Patwary at Hotel Intercontinental in Dhaka was completely false, baseless, and politically motivated.

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir said, “A group is plotting to delay the election. Delaying the election means destroying the country.”

Amid this political turbulence, discussions continue about what might happen on November 13. On that day, the International Crimes Tribunal–1 may announce the verdict date in the war crimes case against ousted former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and three other accused over crimes committed during the July uprising.

Concerns have been raised that the ousted Awami League and its allies may attempt to disrupt the judicial process on that day. Yesterday morning, there were reports of cocktail explosions and arson attacks on buses in several areas of the capital. At night, another explosion occurred in front of the NCP central office.

Political analysts believe the current political crisis in the country was created by this very government. The conflict among the pro–July uprising parties is essentially a matter of competition and bargaining. In the end, they are unlikely to remain divided since all parties are at equal risk. The main differences are strategic, not ideological, and time itself is being used as a political weapon.

Some believe the interim government can manage the situation over the July Charter implementation. The referendum and national election might even be held on the same day, and the “note of dissent” may be dropped, though some modifications could be made. However, uncertainty remains over the national election.

Syeda Rizwana Hasan, adviser to the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, said the government will make its own decision since political parties failed to reach a consensus. She added that the government had given them time but, with no decision forthcoming, it will soon convene collectively to announce one.

She also said the interim government formed through the uprising has the authority to make such decisions.

Dr. K. M. Mohiuddin, professor of government and politics at Jahangirnagar University, said both sides are mainly divided by political strategy. Although the seven-day deadline set by the government ended on November 10, no meaningful coordination was achieved. The BNP remains firm on holding the referendum on election day, while Jamaat-e-Islami and several other parties demand it before the national polls.

The BNP believes that holding both on the same day will pressure the government and increase its popularity, whereas Jamaat and others believe that a pre-election referendum will weaken the BNP. Thus, both sides are using time as a strategic tool.

Professor Kazi Mohammad Mahbubur Rahman of Dhaka University stated that competition is ongoing among the parties allied with the July uprising. The main disputes are over the referendum’s timing and whether to include the “note of dissent.” However, he expects that all sides will ultimately reach an agreement since no party wants to return to political uncertainty.

Rumors suggest that the Awami League may contest the election under the Jatiya Party’s banner. Some also speculate that after verdicts in the trials of Sheikh Hasina and other top leaders, international pressure may ease, lifting bans on their political activity. Experts, however, believe neither the government nor the parties will shift from their current positions.

Mujahidul Islam Selim, presidium member of the Communist Party of Bangladesh (CPB), said the current political crisis has become a bargaining game over parliamentary seats. He added that unity cannot be forced on everyone through the July Charter — unity must come through diversity.

Saiful Haque, general secretary of the Revolutionary Workers Party, warned that authoritarian tendencies are reemerging in politics. Despite the people’s uprising, the nation is moving backward under the guise of religion and revolution.

Mahmudur Rahman Manna, president of Nagorik Oikya, said that without dialogue, the next election will become controversial. He urged the government to find a solution responsibly and act for the people’s sake.

Meanwhile, Majibur Rahman Manju, chairman of Amar Bangladesh Party, said the government can still control the tense situation surrounding the July Charter. He noted that since BNP and Jamaat remain rigid, the government should take a balanced position and, if needed, show firmness to make the parties compromise.

He added that the referendum and election could be held on the same day, without any “note of dissent.” However, he acknowledged that uncertainty about the upcoming election remains and the situation will unfold with time.

– Khaborwala/TSN