No Chance of Holding Elections Without Legal Basis of July Charter : Jamaat Amir

Dr Shafiqur Rahman, Amir of Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami, has warned that national elections cannot proceed in 2026 unless the July Revolution is formally recognised and the July Charter given a legal basis.

Speaking at a rally organised by eight partners of the simultaneous movement for five demands – including a pre-election referendum – at Paltan in the capital on Tuesday, Dr Shafiqur said the July Revolution must be accepted before any vote scheduled for 2026 can take place.

“To see an election in 2026, the July Revolution must first be recognised. To recognise the July Revolution, the July Charter must be given legal standing. There is no possibility of holding any election without the legal basis of the July Charter,” he said, adding that freedom-loving people insist that the referendum must be held before the national parliamentary poll.

Dr Shafiqur noted that, in his view, all parties have agreed on the principle of a referendum and questioned the need to haggle over dates. “When everyone has signed the July Charter by agreement, it is logical to hold the referendum first. Through this, the legal basis will be created, and on that basis the next national parliament election should be held. When that election takes place, doubts will be removed.”

He urged that the national parliamentary elections be held before Ramadan next February and cautioned against attempts to obscure the issue. He said Jamaat and other parties submitted their views to the National Consensus Commission and supported the majority-based charter, arguing that minority objections should not derail the process.

“If you do not show respect for democracy, how will you show respect in the national elections? Forget all the promises – respect the blood of the martyrs of July. Be considerate of those who fought in July and those who were disabled; try to understand their feelings,” he said.

Dr Shafiqur vowed his party would remain firm on the referendum demand. “We are speaking politely and will continue to do so, but we will remain as steadfast as the Himalayas regarding our demands. This is the demand of the people and of the revolution, not of fascism. The people of Bangladesh will not bow to fascist demands. Until the people’s demands are met, our movement will continue at pace, Insha’Allah.”

He also said senior leaders would meet later and promised to announce the next programme soon.