Bangladesh’s interim government led by Muhammad Yunus expresses concern over growing divisions among political parties on implementing the July Charter, as disputes over the referendum and reform timelines threaten the roadmap to February 2026 national elections.
The interim government of Bangladesh, led by Nobel laureate Professor Muhammad Yunus, has voiced serious concern over the increasing rift among the country’s major political parties regarding the implementation of the July Charter, a key reform framework designed to guide the nation’s democratic transition.
Speaking to reporters after a high-level Council of Advisors meeting in Dhaka on Monday, Law Advisor Asif Nazrul urged political parties to engage in immediate dialogue and present a unified stance to the interim government on reform and referendum issues.
“Regarding the timing of the referendum—when it will be held and what its subject will be—as well as the steps to be taken in response to the notes of dissent in the July Charter, the meeting expressed the view that a final decision should be made urgently in line with the proposals made by the Consensus Commission,” Nazrul stated, quoting from the meeting’s resolution.
Nazrul further warned that if political parties fail to reach a common decision within a week, the government will be compelled to act independently.
“We are seeking a united opinion on the timing of the referendum, its content, and the order for implementing the July Charter. If the political parties fail to provide a united stance, the government will proceed in its own way,” he said firmly.
Disagreements on Reform Recommendations
The Law Advisor revealed that despite extensive deliberations within the Consensus Commission, certain reform proposals continue to divide the political landscape. The differences reportedly center around the scope of constitutional amendments, the timing of the referendum, and the specific clauses of the July Charter that outline governance and electoral reforms.
“It was observed at the meeting that despite long discussions within the Consensus Commission, differing opinions remain on several reform recommendations. The meeting also noted disagreements among political parties over when the referendum should be held and what its subject should be,” Nazrul added.
The Yunus administration, which came to power amid a turbulent transition, has maintained that national elections will be held in early February 2026. The Council reaffirmed this position during Monday’s meeting, underscoring the government’s commitment to restoring democratic order.
“In the current situation, there is no room for delay,” Nazrul emphasized. “The government’s resolve to hold national elections in the first half of February next year was reiterated in the advisory council meeting.”
Political Tensions Escalate Ahead of 2026 Elections
As Bangladesh inches closer to the scheduled polls, political instability and factional infighting continue to dominate the national scene. The National Citizen Party (NCP) on Sunday accused the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and the Jamaat-e-Islami of obstructing reform measures and conspiring to delay the February 2026 elections.
The NCP, which was among the groups that initially backed the Yunus-led interim administration, has now criticized the BNP and Jamaat for “betraying the reform agenda” and “prioritizing political gains over national stability.”
The deepening divisions underscore a growing sense of uncertainty and political turmoil that has gripped the nation since the fall of the Awami League government earlier this year. The parties that once stood united in their opposition to Sheikh Hasina’s administration are now divided over the very reforms they pledged to uphold.
Challenges for the Yunus Administration
Analysts warn that if the current rift continues, the Yunus government may face increased difficulties in executing its reform roadmap, which includes restructuring the Election Commission, ensuring media freedom, and strengthening anti-corruption mechanisms.
Political observers note that the interim government’s credibility depends heavily on its ability to maintain political consensus and deliver a transparent electoral process by early 2026. However, with each passing week, that goal appears increasingly distant.
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As the deadline for national elections approaches, the Yunus-led administration is walking a fine line — striving to balance public expectations for reform with the realities of political division.
