Dr Shafiqur Rahman, ameer of Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami, said that the July Charter must be recognised before the 2026 national election can take place.
He added that a legal basis must be granted to the Charter, emphasizing that their demand is rooted in revolution, not fascism.
“We are speaking politely, and we will continue to do so — but we will remain as steadfast as the Himalayas in achieving our demand,” he said. “Without legal recognition of the July Charter, no national election will be held.”
Dr Shafiqur made the comments on Tuesday afternoon while speaking as the chief guest at an eight-party rally held in Paltan, Dhaka.
The event was organised to press for the implementation of the July Charter, a referendum, and four other demands.
Although the program was scheduled to begin at 2pm, activists from Dhaka and nearby districts arrived from the morning in processions, occupying roads around the rally stage and chanting slogans.
The rally stretched from the National Press Club in the west to the north gate of Baitul Mukarram in the east, Kakrail intersection in the north, and Muktangan in the south.
Presiding over the rally was Mufti Syed Muhammad Rezaul Karim, ameer of Islami Andolan Bangladesh.
The Jamaat chief said their continuous movement would persist until their demands are fulfilled. He urged the government to heed the people’s voice and hold a referendum first, adding that citizens want to know when the referendum and the legalisation of the July Charter will take place. “Most freedom-loving people agree on this,” he said. “So why all the delay over the referendum date?”
He further said: “We signed the Charter based on broad agreement on most issues. It is therefore logical that the referendum should come first. Through this, the legal foundation of the Charter will be established, paving the way for the next national election — free from doubt and suspicion.”
Dr Shafiqur said they want the national election to be held in February next year and warned against creating confusion over the matter.
He also accused some individuals, who had earlier agreed in the consensus commission, of now showing disrespect toward the July Charter. “How can such people claim to respect democracy?” he asked, urging them to listen to the people’s voice or face the consequences.
