Bangladesh interim government faces July Charter anger

Dhaka

The National Citizen Party (NCP) in Bangladesh has warned of strong protests if the interim government led by Muhammad Yunus fails to announce the long-delayed July Charter by August 5. NCP Convener Nahid Islam issued the warning during a Sunday rally in Sherpur.

“If the July Charter is not announced with proper reforms, we will return to Dhaka on August 3 and begin a sit-in at the Shaheed Minar,” said Nahid. He stressed that the NCP will not accept a charter without major changes, including creating an upper house in Parliament and adopting a proportional representation system in elections.

He also demanded that the Prime Minister’s powers be reduced under the new political structure.

Despite nearly a year passing since the interim government took charge, the July Charter has not been finalized. Recent reports suggest the document may be released soon, but disagreements among political groups remain.

The second phase of talks between 30 political parties and the National Consensus Commission (NCC) is ongoing. The goal is to finalise reform proposals. However, the talks have struggled due to internal disputes among political allies, including those who once united to oust former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.

The Daily Star reports growing tensions between student leaders and political groups supporting Yunus. As political uncertainty deepens, the NCP’s call for protests signals rising frustration over delays in implementing promised reforms. The coming days may decide whether the interim government can unite rival factions and deliver on its reform promises.