BNP Standing Committee member Major (Retd.) Hafiz Uddin Ahmed (Bir Bikram) has stated that while the July Charter may be relevant for the advisors of the interim government, it is not necessary for the general people of Bangladesh.
He made the remarks on Saturday at a discussion session titled “Upcoming National Parliament Election Is Essential to Safeguard Independence, Sovereignty, and Democracy”, organized by the Bangladesh Nationalist Freedom Fighters’ League and the Generation of the Liberation War at the National Press Club auditorium.
“Much discussion is going on about the July Charter,” said Major Hafiz. “As a small political leader and worker, I believe it is not needed for the people of the country. However, for some individuals who are serving as advisors and who may face various challenges while residing in Bangladesh in the future, it might be necessary for them.”
He emphasized that Bangladesh needs elections where the people can choose their representatives. “We hope that the upcoming national parliamentary election will be conducted fairly. Those elected by the people will decide whether to support the July Charter. My party, BNP, supports it, and we are obliged to do so. But nothing should be included in the charter that has not been previously discussed and agreed upon in the Election Commission meetings.”
Major Hafiz further stated, “We do not need such charters. What we need is a Parliament that will determine the country’s future and implement such provisions in a way that ensures democracy can fully flourish.”
Addressing the ongoing debate over a People’s Referendum (PR), he said, “The people of the country don’t even know what a PR is. Nobody wants it. For a hundred years, we have been electing individuals. Now, power is being taken from voters and given to a political party, leaving the people more powerless. We want elections to be conducted through the current system.”
He also warned against external interference, stating, “There is a neighboring country that does not want Bangladesh to be self-reliant or independent. They have supported the mafia, Sheikh Hasina. From there, they are plotting sabotage in Bangladesh and have even opened offices in Kolkata. My advice to them is this: open offices in every Indian province, obtain a charter from India, and try to influence Indian politics. Bangladesh does not need you.”
He concluded by saying, “Through united struggle, we have removed this mafia government.”
The session, presided over by Bir Muktijoddha Ishtiaq Aziz Ulfat, also featured speeches by BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, Chairperson’s Advisor Bir Muktijoddha Abdus Salam, Advocate Syed Moazzem Hossain Alal, and others.
