Opposition holds 'note of dissent' on July Charter: Nazrul Islam Khan

Not only the BNP, but the current opposition parties in parliament also hold 'notes of dissent' or differing views regarding the July National Charter, according to Nazrul Islam Khan, BNP Standing Committee member and Political Adviser to the Prime Minister. Speaking at a view-exchange meeting, he stated that issues agreed upon by political parties in the July Charter will be considered a mandate from the public, while points of disagreement from any party have also been documented within the charter on Monday.

The meeting was held at 'Shapla', the conference center of the Prime Minister’s Office in Tejgaon, to mark the completion of the government's six months in office. During the event, the government presented its 180-day activities and key achievements, followed by a Q&A session where officials addressed various questions from journalists.

Addressing questions about the July Charter, Nazrul Islam Khan said, "We have always stated that the document on which we all agreed constitutes the mandate of the people. Beyond that, parties have given their respective notes of dissent." He claimed that the BNP was not alone in submitting a 'note of dissent', as current opposition parties in parliament also expressed differing views on various sections of the charter.

He explained that the July National Charter explicitly states that any political party with a 'note of dissent' will include its specific position in its electoral manifesto and present it to the public. If the electorate supports the proposal during elections, the party will implement it upon assuming power. In this context, he urged everyone to read the July National Charter.

Nazrul Islam Khan added, "We have not deviated from our word; we remain committed to our promises," asserting that the BNP-led government has not backed away from its pledge regarding the implementation of the July Charter.

Meanwhile, addressing a question regarding the release of top terrorists from prison, Political Adviser to the Prime Minister Ruhul Kabir Rizvi stated that most of these individuals were released from jail during the tenure of the interim government. He claimed that many of them have left the country and are operating from abroad, adding that the relevant ministries and agencies are taking necessary action on the matter.

State Minister for Local Government Shahe Alam also spoke about upcoming local government elections, stating that local body elections will be held within the current fiscal year. He noted that approximately 6,000 crore BDT will be required to organize these elections.

At the beginning of the program, Mahdi Amin, spokesperson for the Prime Minister’s Office, highlighted various aspects of the government's 180-day activities and achievements. Moderated by Press Secretary to the Prime Minister Saleh Shibly, the event was attended by Information and Broadcasting Minister Zahir Uddin Swapon, along with various ministers, advisers, special assistants, and high-ranking officials.