Despite the fact that the government’s one-week ultimatum to political parties will expire tomorrow, uncertainty still looms over the next steps to resolve the political stalemate over the July National Charter and the timing of a national referendum.

The deadlock persists as major parties remain divided on when the referendum should take place – before or on the day of the 13th Parliamentary Election scheduled for February next year.

The BNP has reiterated that the referendum must coincide with the general election, while Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami and seven other Islamist parties are pressing for it to be held beforehand.

“We want the Jatiya Sangsad election because we are an election-oriented political party. And we are heading towards the polls,” BNP Standing Committee Member Selima Rahman told the Daily Sun.

Asked about a possible counter-movement to Jamaat’s campaign, she said, “Time will say what to do. However, we will do whatever is needed for the welfare of the nation.”

No breakthrough despite week-long ultimatum

Five days after the government’s ultimatum was issued, no visible progress has been made toward a consensus. Instead, tensions have deepened amid warnings, counter-warnings and street protests.

Political sources said informal talks are underway among the BNP, Jamaat, and several other parties to find common ground on the implementation of the July Charter and the referendum schedule, but no breakthrough has been reached. On 5 November, Jamaat formed a two-member committee to explore discussions, while BNP has also shown interest in formal dialogue.

“Informal discussions are taking place. BNP has contacted us, and we have contacted them. We hope a formal meeting will be held soon,” Jamaat Assistant Secretary General Abdul Halim told the Daily Sun.

He said Jamaat Nayeb-e-Ameer Syed Abdullah Muhammad Taher spoke with BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, while BNP Standing Committee Member Nazrul Islam Khan also reached out earlier.

Efforts to bridge the gap

The Ganatantra Mancha, a six-party alliance, is reportedly trying to bridge differences among the anti-fascist political blocs.

The alliance recently held meetings with the National Citizen Party (NCP), Gono Odhikar Parishad, and Amar Bangladesh Party (AB Party), and plans separate discussions with both BNP and Jamaat.

The nine-party coalition intends to hold further meetings with government representatives after those talks.

Public concern grows amid uncertainty

Amid the stalemate, citizens are growing anxious as political rhetoric between BNP and Jamaat intensifies. Both camps have been organising rallies and issuing ultimatums, adding to fears of renewed unrest.

Analysts warn that continued division among the parties could delay the upcoming polls and risk paving the way for “fallen fascist forces” to re-emerge.

“The interim government must play a key role in easing tensions and ensuring elections are held on time,” said political analyst Prof Mahbub Ullah. “There is no justification for delaying the election.”

Govt warns it may act unilaterally

The interim government issued its one-week ultimatum on 3 November following a decision by the Advisory Council, urging parties to reach a consensus through dialogue.

“Some unofficial discussions are taking place,” Chief Adviser’s Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam said at a press conference on Thursday.

“If they fail to make a decision within the time frame, the interim government will proceed to make its own decision. Preparatory meetings are already underway,” he added.

Shafiqul Alam also said the election process has gained momentum and that “the entire nation is now eagerly waiting for the upcoming elections.”

Parties harden positions

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Thursday reiterated, “The referendum must be held on the day of the national election. No referendum will be allowed before the parliamentary polls.”

He accused “some political parties” of creating instability to foil the election and warned that “the people will not accept this.”

Meanwhile, Jamaat and its allies have issued a new ultimatum demanding that the government meet their five-point demand, including holding the referendum before the polls.

“Before the mass rally in Dhaka on 11 November, we urge the interim government to accept our demands. Otherwise, the situation in Dhaka will be different,” Jamaat Secretary General Mia Golam Parwar warned.

In a resolution adopted Thursday night, the BNP Standing Committee called on all parties to remain united in implementing the July Charter and urged the interim government to “sincerely and lawfully” ensure timely elections.

On Friday, Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam reaffirmed that “some beneficiaries of the fallen government are spreading confusion,” adding that the national election “will be held in the first half of February.”