Eleven-party alliance moves to build broader unity for July Charter implementation, reform council to be formed

The 11-party alliance led by Jamaat-e-Islami, which has been agitating for the implementation of the July National Charter and the referendum verdict, is now trying to build a broader unity. Moving beyond its own political circle, it wants to bring together the parties that signed the July Charter, eminent citizens and professionals in a larger alliance.

For the past few months, the 11-party alliance has been holding programmes such as meetings, seminars, protests and long marches. Having seen no visible initiative from the government to meet their demands, it is now changing strategy to widen the movement. Responsible leaders of the alliance say there is no alternative to a broader political and civic movement to increase pressure on the government.

To that end, an initiative has been taken to form a special committee called the 'Constitution Reform Implementation Council'. Multiple sources in the alliance say that while the number of members has not been finalised, discussions are under way to keep it at 10 to 15 initially. The plan is to include three to four members from Jamaat-e-Islami and one representative from each of the other partners.

Alongside members of parliament, political leaders outside parliament may also find a place in the committee. But no final decision has been taken on these matters yet. The preliminary work of deciding the names of members and the committee's terms of reference is under way.

Jamaat-e-Islami Assistant Secretary General Ehsanul Mahbub Zubayer told Ajker Patrika that a decision in principle has been taken by the 11 parties on forming the Constitution Reform Implementation Council and determining its tasks and overall outlook. A liaison committee meeting is expected within a day or two, where a proposal will be prepared and placed before the top leaders.

The Jamaat leader added: "This initiative has been taken by the 11 parties. One section of the political parties is with the government, some parties are in a middle position. Those in the middle will also be talked to about this. Other stakeholders will also be discussed with. Since the government is not moving towards implementation, 180 days are passing, and the session is on the 9th. So what could be the alternative, that will be discussed with everyone."

After the top leaders review the liaison committee's proposal, they will give final approval. The committee and its action plan will then be announced through a press conference. There are preliminary discussions about holding the press conference at the National Press Club in the capital. Preparations are also under way for a grand rally in Dhaka in the future.

Bangladesh Labour Party chairman Mostafizur Rahman Iran, whose party is one of the partners in the 11-party alliance, said: "It has been decided at the meeting of the top leaders that we will form such a committee. We have been asked to give recommendations or decisions on the committee's activities and what programmes can be taken and what needs to be done. In that light, a draft of the names, the number of members and who can be included is being prepared. It will be presented to the Jamaat Amir for observation."

The 11-party alliance does not want to confine the committee's work to the main council alone. Sources in the alliance say there are also plans to form several sub-committees of professionals and experts. These sub-committees will collect expert opinions and recommendations on various aspects of constitutional reform and place them before the main council.

Talks will also be held with political parties outside the 11-party alliance that signed the July Charter. There are plans to involve in this initiative the political parties and leaders who took part in the discussions of the National Consensus Commission. However, no decision has been taken yet on whether they will be kept in the main committee or involved as discussion partners.

Meanwhile, the fourth session of the 13th National Parliament begins today, Monday. Jamaat-e-Islami is preparing to propose discussions on the implementation of the July Charter and other issues in this session. The party will ask what steps the government has taken to implement the referendum verdict.

Jamaat's parliamentary party spokesperson Nazibur Rahman told journalists on Sunday: "We want the government to give an update in this session on what it is doing to implement the July Charter. But it seems there is nothing like that on their agenda. From what I hear, it will be a session just to keep up appearances."

At a recent programme, Jamaat-e-Islami Amir Shafiqur Rahman said the people voted in favour of constitutional reform in the referendum. Trying to go a different way in the name of amending the constitution, without properly carrying out the responsibility of that reform, is not acceptable, he said. He called for implementing the July Charter and the referendum verdict, honouring the commitment given to the people.

The government, however, wants all issues, including the implementation of the July Charter, resolved through discussion in parliament. Urging the opposition to come to parliament for discussion, Chief Whip Nurul Islam Moni told journalists yesterday: "The Prime Minister has said we want to solve all the problems of this country on the basis of consensus, and we are bringing all problems to parliament to solve them."

On the same day, the convening committee of Dhaka Metropolitan South BNP was reconstituted. Freedom fighter Abdus Salam was made convenor of the committee and Tanvir Ahmed Robin its member secretary.