‘Why the delay?’: Jamaat’s Taher presses govt on implementation of July Charter

The party's deputy chief calls for swift reforms ahead of the February elections

Senior Jamaat-e-Islami leader Syed Abdullah Mohammad Taher has questioned the delay in implementing the July National Charter, saying the interim government must act quickly to carry out agreed reforms ahead of the general election slated for February.

Speaking to reporters at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport in Dhaka on Tuesday after returning from the US, Jamaat's deputy chief said the government must “take firm and quick decisions” to ensure the election proceeds smoothly.

“There’s one issue which we call the July Charter and the reforms mentioned in it. These reforms could have been done three months ago. All parties reached a unanimous policy decision.”

The implementation of key reforms had been “delayed in many ways”, pointing to a "conspiracy", according to Taher.

“If this conspiracy continues and necessary reforms or settlements are not done, then it raises questions about everything.”

Taher, however, expressed confidence that the national election will take place as scheduled in February, saying there was “no confusion” about the timeline.

“We don’t foresee any trouble or risk regarding the February elections,” he said.

“However, it is very important that some issues are settled before the elections. As many advisors were present in New York, including the chief advisor, we told everyone that holding the election in February is vital.”

Taher warned that simply holding another election without genuine reform would not address the country’s political crisis.

“There were elections held in 2018, 2024 and even in 2014. Did those elections resolve the problems or raise more issues?"

“So an election should be held in February because the need for a democratic, representative government is critical. Our past experience says that a free, fair, neutral and participatory election is the only way to resolve problems.”