BNP to Provide Final Opinion on July Charter After Addressing Inconsistencies: Salahuddin Ahmed

Salahuddin Ahmed, a member of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party’s (BNP) standing committee, has stated that the draft of the July Charter contains certain inconsistencies, and the party will provide its final opinion only after these are resolved. Speaking at his residence in Gulshan, Dhaka, on Tuesday, August 19, 2025, during a conversation with several media outlets, he emphasized that BNP is committed to implementing every promise in the July Charter through a constitutional process and discussions to resolve issues.

Salahuddin noted that many aspects of the charter can be implemented through ordinances or executive orders, as the government frequently enacts laws in this manner. Some matters do not even require executive orders and are already being identified for implementation. However, he suggested that issues requiring constitutional amendments should be addressed in the new parliament following the next national election.

Criticizing a proposal in the July Charter that vests the Supreme Court’s Appellate Division with the authority to interpret its provisions, Salahuddin argued that this is unreasonable. He explained that the Appellate Division can hear appeals against High Court Division rulings as per the constitution, but interpreting or determining the validity of a consensus document like the July Charter does not fall within its jurisdiction. He warned that assigning this responsibility to the Appellate Division could create complications, raising questions about the basis and process of such interpretations. Salahuddin reaffirmed BNP’s commitment to implementing all promises in the July Charter, emphasizing that it is being drafted based on democracy and national consensus. He assured that BNP would not obstruct the implementation of issues with broad agreement and stressed the importance of dialogue and consensus in finalizing, signing, and implementing the charter. When asked about the legal basis of the July Charter, he responded, “We will clarify that when the time comes.” Regarding the upcoming election, Salahuddin stated that it will take place in the first half of February 2026, dismissing doubts raised by some as attempts to pressure various parties. He highlighted that the interim government’s chief adviser and the Election Commission have confirmed preparations are in the final stages for a February election. Salahuddin emphasized that parliament should have the highest authority in approving the July Charter. Major decisions, including constitutional amendments, cannot be made without parliamentary approval. He noted that issues with consensus should be brought to parliament for legitimacy. Addressing the note of dissent, Salahuddin revealed that not only BNP but other political parties have expressed disagreements on certain issues. For instance, BNP proposed that at least 5% of the 300 parliamentary seats be reserved for women candidates to contest directly in elections, but other parties opposed this. Additionally, BNP suggested four specific reforms to Article 70 of the constitution, which also faced disagreements.