Political reactions poured in on Thursday following Chief Adviser Dr Muhammad Yunus’s nationally televised address confirming that the July Charter referendum will be held alongside the February 2026 parliamentary election.
While some parties welcomed the move as pragmatic, others raised concerns over constitutional validity and procedural clarity.
BNP: Charter breached, roadmap unclear
BNP Standing Committee member Salahuddin Ahmed accused the chief adviser of violating the July National Charter by introducing elements not included in the original document.
“He signed the charter himself, but his speech added new directives that breach its terms,” he told UNB.
BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir took a more measured tone, saying the February election could lead to a truly representative parliament. Speaking at a policy dialogue, he emphasized the need for inclusive debate and warned against elite-driven imposition of reforms. “People must guide the way forward—not a few intellectuals,” he said.
AB Party: Acceptable despite differences
The Amar Bangladesh Party (AB Party) welcomed Yunus’s announcement as “overall positive,” despite reservations. In a joint statement, Chairman Mujibur Rahman Manju and General Secretary Barrister Asaduzzaman Fuad said the bundled referendum and proportional upper house voting were “relatively acceptable” solutions. They urged all parties, including BNP and Jamaat, to participate peacefully and avoid division.
Revolutionary Workers Party: Legality questioned
RWP General Secretary Saiful Haque supported the referendum’s timing but questioned its legality. “Issuing orders in the president’s name exceeds the interim government’s authority,” he said. He also criticized the single yes/no format for four separate reform questions, calling it overly complex and politically risky. The party will finalize its stance after a Political Council meeting.
12-party alliance: Timely and realistic
The 12-party alliance, led by Bangladesh Jatiya Dal Chairman Syed Ehsanul Huda, endorsed the chief adviser’s decision as “timely and realistic.” In a statement, they said the announcement had helped dispel uncertainty around both the referendum and the national election, and was well received by the public.
