NCP will sign July Charter only after its implementation is guaranteed, says Akhter

His remarks come after the party's meeting with the National Consensus Commission

The National Citizen Party (NCP) will sign the July Charter only after receiving full assurance that it will be implemented, according to the party’s Member Secretary Akhter Hossen.

Speaking to reporters after the party's meeting with the National Consensus Commission on Saturday, Akhter said: “We believe signing the July Charter is nothing but a ceremonial act. That alone cannot guarantee the charter’s actual implementation."

“The NCP would be keen on signing the July Charter only when its implementation is fully ensured.”

Akhter said the commission had informed them that it was preparing an order for implementing the July Charter, which contains a detailed set of state reform recommendations and pledges.

Despite viewing it as a "positive step", he flagged the lack of clarity about the contents of the implementation order as a concern.

“They have so far been unable to present the content of that order to us -- the text, its substance, and scope. That has kept us from being fully optimistic," said Akhter.

“We appreciate the commission’s sincerity in preparing an implementation order for the July Charter. But we have urged the Consensus Commission to ensure that it doesn't turn into a mere piece of paper like the July Declaration due to any political pressure.”

Akhter also stressed the need to carry out state reforms before the next general election. “From our side, we have repeatedly told the Consensus Commission that the government should complete the discussion on reforms, publish a roadmap for justice [for state atrocities during the July Uprising], and only then move toward elections.

“There is still time. If the government wishes, it can complete preparations for a referendum within this period. But before that, the most important issue is clarity about the order that will be issued."

Reiterating the party's call for a clear outline of the implementation order, he added: “If there is no clear understanding of the order itself, then a referendum alone cannot secure the implementation of reforms. That is why we want full assurance from the government about the order before moving forward with the referendum or signing the Charter.”

The July Charter signing ceremony took place on Oct 17 at the South Plaza of the Parliament, with leaders from more than 30 political parties attending the event.

Of the 30 parties and alliances involved in the dialogue, 25 signed the charter, committing to implement the reform decisions of the consensus panel.

The NCP, however, did not sign the charter, saying that it saw a lack of clarity in the implementation framework. Four other parties followed suit, raising objections on various issues.

Following this, the Consensus Commission held a meeting with experts on Wednesday over the implementation of the July Charter.

The day after the July Charter signing ceremony, NCP Convenor Nahid Islam held a press conference and said the NCP refrained from signing the July Charter as no legal basis was provided for it, while the draft implementation order and the complete outline of its implementation method had also not been published.