Will act solo if no consensus in a week

Bangla Press Desk: Amid heightened anticipation for a breakthrough in the ongoing political crisis, the interim government has refrained from announcing any unilateral decision and instead given political parties one week to reach a consensus on key issues, including the timing of the referendum on the July National Charter.

The move comes as the rift among anti-fascist political forces has deepened, particularly over when the referendum should be held, following the submission of the recommendations by the National Consensus Commission (NCC) to implement the July Charter.

The BNP insists it should take place on the same day as the national election, whereas Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami and its like-minded parties are demanding that it be held in November.

The BNP is also unhappy with the NCC for some its recommendations, alleging that it failed to include their notes of dissent.

Jamaat and its allies have long been observing various programmes to push for their five-point demand, including the immediate issuance of an order to implement the July Charter and holding the referendum in November.

Amid the row, the BNP on Monday announced its candidates for 237 parliamentary seats ahead of the general election.

The NCC recently submitted its final recommendations to Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus, proposing that the referendum could be held either before or on the day of the election.

Political analysts warn that the disunity among anti-fascist forces is fuelling public confusion over whether the parliamentary election will indeed be held in February 2026, as pledged by the interim government.

At a press conference held on Monday at State Guest House Jamuna following an emergency meeting of the Advisory Council, Law Adviser Prof Asif Nazrul said the government has urged all political parties to hold internal discussions and submit a unified guideline within one week regarding the July Charter and the referendum.

“If such instructions are received- preferably within a week- it will be much easier for the government to make decisions. We must remember that there is no room for delay in the current situation,” he said.

At the meeting, the Advisory Council discussed the finalisation of the NCC’s proposed July Charter, the arrangement and content of the referendum, and measures to reconcile differences among political stakeholders.

The law adviser said the Advisory Council thanked the NCC and participating parties for their efforts to build consensus on reforms and other constitutional issues. However, it also expressed concern over the persisting divisions about the referendum’s timing and scope. “Despite prolonged discussions, some disagreements remain on reform proposals,” he said, adding that the council has observed the urgent need for a final decision based on the NCC’s recommendations.

“Parties that have long been allies in the anti-fascist movement are urged to engage in talks among themselves and provide unified guidance to the government within the next week,” Asif Nazrul said.

He reaffirmed that the government remains determined to hold the general election in the first half of February 2026.

Earlier on Thursday, the law adviser said the chief adviser would make the final decision “very soon” regarding the implementation process of the July Charter and the referendum schedule, noting that the decision will not be made by any individual, but under the leadership of the chief adviser.

Meanwhile, political experts have cautioned that whether the referendum is held before or alongside the 13th parliamentary election, it could reignite political unrest, potentially allowing fallen fascist forces to re-enter the country’s political scene.

BP/SP