A significant political crisis is mounting in the country over the timing and method of implementing the "July Charter 2025" amid a sharp divide among political parties.

While some political parties are demanding key reforms be implemented before the next parliamentary election, BNP and its likeminded parties argue they should be addressed later by the next parliament. This disagreement, particularly over the Proportional Representation (PR) system, has cast a shadow of doubt over the political future.

BNP thinks that the country will face a crisis if the 13th parliamentary election is delayed for any reason. "The country will surely plunge into a deep crisis if the general election is somehow delayed, centred on the feud over the PR system," said BNP Standing Committee Member Dr AZM Zahid Hossain.

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami also believes that the country may face a crisis if the election is delayed, but it is still adamant on its demand for the reforms and well as the PR system.

"The election must take place; otherwise, the country could face a crisis. Without reforms, public confidence in election will be undermined," said Jamaat's Nayeb-e-Ameer Dr Syed Abdullah Mohammad Taher.

However, the interim government is determined to hold the election early February 2026.

The Election Commission is likely to declare the polls roadmap tomorrow.

Another debate has arisen over the legal basis of the “July Charter” as some have raised the question whether it will remain above the constitution or not.

In such a situation, most of the political parties that joined the reform talks with the National Consensus Commission (NCC) have submitted their opinions, providing different suggestions on the revised draft of the “July Charter.”

Although the NCC requested the political parties to share their opinions by 20 August, the commission had extended the deadline until 3:00 pm on Friday following a low response.

A total of 23 political parties shared opinions. Among them, 12 submitted their opinions on Friday, while 11 other parties responded on Thursday and Wednesday.

The parties who submitted opinions on “July Charter” draft include BNP, Jamaat, National Citizen Party (NCP), Khelafat Majlis, Socialist Party of Bangladesh (BDS-Marxist), Jatiya Samajtantrik Dal-JSD, Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), AB Party, Nationalist Democratic Movement (NDM), Revolutionary Workers Party of Bangladesh, Gono Forum and Bangladesh Labour Party.

Jamaat Assistant General Secretary Hamidur Rahman Khan Azad said their party submitted opinions, identifying conflicting issues in the revised draft.

Khelafat Majlis's Secretary General Ahmad Abdul Kader said they want the implementation of all the provisions in the proposed charter with legal binding. "We have recommended issuing ordinances for incorporating reforms in the constitution," he added.

Section 8 of the proposed “July Charter 2025” says the signatory parties agree that any proposals and recommendations of the charter, which are immediately implementable, shall be executed in full by the interim government and relevant authorities without delay, before the next elections.

JSD, in its opinion, recommended the inclusion of the charter as a separate chapter in the constitution. However, the party recommended omitting section 4, which says the charter shall not be questioned in any court, said JSD General Secretary Shahid Uddin Mahmud Swapan.

LDP, in its opinion, also opposed section 4. "We have strongly opposed the section that terms the charter unquestionable in any court," said LDP Secretary General Redwan Ahmed.

The party, however, suggested a two-year timeline after the formation of the next parliament for implementing the “July Charter.”

The NCC had wanted to finalise the “July Charter” by 31 July, but it was not possible amid strong opposition from different political parties, including Jamaat and NCP, as they did not accept the preliminary draft.

The commission wants to hold fresh talks with political parties on the “July Charter” this week to determine the method of implementation of the charter. However, it is still uncertain to finalise the “July Charter” by 31 August, a month after the previous deadline, for the ongoing positions of the political parties.

Addressing a discussion at the Jatiya Press Club on Friday, Zahid Hossain came down heavily on the leaders of a certain political party for their statements on the PR system.

He said the countrymen do not understand the PR system. “So no such method should be adopted, which creates confusion among the people.” Sensing danger in the ongoing feud over the PR system, he called upon the Election Commission to announce the election roadmap without delay.

BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi Ahmed also criticised the demand for a PR system. "The people are not familiar with this system. It is a very difficult matter in our country. Why is there an attempt to impose this system? If voters choose a party instead of a candidate, the political party will become authoritarian," he said.

Meanwhile, Jamaat senior leader Dr Syed Abdullah Muhammad Taher at a party rally in Cumilla on Friday said those committed to democracy have a moral obligation to accept the PR system, citing a recent survey indicating that 71% of the public supports PR.

He claimed that election under the PR system would prevent autocracy and ensure credibility, unlike the traditional system practised over the last 54 years.

Islami Andolan Bangladesh also strongly supports the PR system. "If the PR system is introduced, a balanced parliament will be created. This system is in 91 countries. The PR system is essential to establish a fair political system," IAB chief Mufti Rezaul Karim said while speaking at a rally in the capital on Friday.

The reporter can be reached at: [email protected]

Edited by Abdul Mukith