Seven key objections prompt four left-wing parties to reject July Charter

The parties claim the Charter implicitly denies the foundation of Bangladesh’s independence and the Liberation War

Four left-leaning political parties have reiterated their decision not to sign the July National Charter, citing seven specific reasons.

The parties said the Charter, which includes recommendations for state reforms and a pledge of commitments, omits the four fundamental principles of the existing Constitution, excludes basic rights and declarations of independence, and contains clauses contrary to core freedoms, making their endorsement impossible.

The parties -- Bangladesh Communist Party (CPB), Bangladesh Socialist Party–BaSaD, BaSaD (Marxist), and Bangladesh Jatiya Samajtantrik Dal (JaSaD) -- outlined their objections at a joint media briefing on Thursday in Paltan.

Representatives emphasised that the Charter implicitly negates the basis of Bangladesh’s independence and the Liberation War, and includes pledges that cannot be questioned in court.

“Signing such a Charter is beyond our capacity,” they said.

The announcement came a day before the official signing ceremony at the South Plaza of parliament on Friday.

On Wednesday evening, Chief Advisor Muhammad Yunus, head of the National Consensus Commission, held an urgent meeting with political parties to discuss the Charter.

Despite these consultations, differences remain among the parties regarding the implementation timeline of the July Charter and the proposed public referendum.

The leftist groups have made clear that their stance is principled, rooted in defending the country’s constitutional framework and historical legacy, and that any agreement ignoring these foundations will not receive their endorsement.