FROM PAGE 1

represent the entire population. If we can seek approval from the people, then that will be the final opinion on implementing the July Charter,” he said.

He clarified that no constitutional amendment is needed for holding a referendum. “The fascist Awami League government had removed the referendum provision under article 142, but a High Court verdict has reinstated it. There is no clause preventing a referendum. Therefore, an ordinance can authorise the Election Commission to hold it on a separate ballot alongside the parliamentary election.”

Asked whether MPs in the next parliament who oppose the July Charter would be obliged to accept the public verdict, he said, “All Members of Parliament will be bound to accept it. When the people say, ‘Yes,’ parliament and its members must accept it.”

He also noted that the constitution does not even allow any court to question parliament’s proceedings.

On notes of dissent attached to specific reform clauses of the charter, Salahuddin said, “The charter will be drafted, signed, and endorsed by all as a declaration, published online and included in party manifestos.

“People will know what is in the July Charter. Those who receive the mandate can act according to their notes of dissent.”

The BNP had initially insisted that constitutional reforms could only be made through the next parliament and supported seeking the Supreme Court’s opinion on whether any other path was possible.

The Jamaat said the referendum should be held before the polls, preferably in November or December, to lend “strong legitimacy” to the charter.

Jamaat’s Assistant Secretary General Hamidur Rahman Azad added his party would “accept the people’s verdict regardless of the outcome”.

The NCP has yet to say whether it wants the referendum held before the polls or on election day. Its joint convener, Sarwar Tusher, said most parties now agree that the charter must first be “legally ensured.”

He reiterated that the next parliament should serve a dual role -- both legislative and constitutional -- since reforms such as the prime minister’s term limit, formation of an upper house, and High Court’s decentralisation require more than simple amendments.

The NCP supports implementing the charter through a Constituent Assembly, arguing that the next parliament could serve as a Constituent Assembly along with a regular legislature.