Salahuddin warns govt, consensus commission over July charter delay

BNP Standing Committee member Salahuddin Ahmed on Friday warned that if the July Charter is not finalized within this month, the reform commissions, the National Consensus Commission, and the interim government will be held responsible.

Speaking at a rally organized by the BNP’s Dhaka Metropolitan North unit in Pallabi, Salahuddin criticized demands for a proportional representation (PR) system and local elections before the national polls, calling these moves attempts to delay the election by creating confusion with dishonest intent.

“There is a continuous effort to blame the BNP for delays in reforms, but all consensus reached so far has been based on BNP’s advice. We have been working round the clock with the commission to discuss and resolve issues,” he said.

Salahuddin also expressed concern over the composition of the reform commission, noting that many members have links to the Awami League, which he claimed undermines the process.

“Some members come from the 13-party and 14-party alliances, while others are closely connected to the ruling Awami League. We have objected to this, questioning how reforms can be discussed under such conditions,” he added.

On the role of the interim government, Salahuddin said its responsibility is limited to ensuring a free and fair national parliamentary election.

“The Election Commission has no mandate to conduct local government elections in Bangladesh. It only manages presidential and national parliamentary elections. Local elections are held only when requested by the local government ministry,” he explained.

He accused those pushing for local elections before the national polls and the PR system of harboring dishonest motives aimed at delaying the election.

“Do they even understand the PR system? It’s not a simple matter; the public does not understand it either,” Salahuddin said, adding that even parties allied with the Awami League for 16 years support the PR system.

He further condemned parties engaging in misleading politics, accusing them of attempting to exploit the current political situation.

“Anyone trying to delay elections or cling to power without holding them is essentially trying to rehabilitate accomplices of fascism,” he warned.

Salahuddin concluded by honoring the spirit of the July-August student mass uprising, promising constitutional recognition for their sacrifice.