BNP Standing Committee member Salahuddin Ahmed. Photo: BSS

DHAKA, Aug 19, 2025 (BSS) – BNP Standing Committee Member Salahuddin Ahmed today said the party has objections to the preface and some points of the final draft of the July Charter.

He said this while exchanging views with journalists at his Gulshan residence here.

Salahuddin said some important issues have been included in the July Charter even though they were not discussed. Again, the presentation of some issues was not appropriate, he said adding that BNP will soon submit its opinion to the commission after reviewing these issues.

He said it is important to clarify how the political parties will implement the 84 points raised in the July Charter on which they have reached consensus. 

At the same time, it is important to determine the way to resolve the issues on which 'notes of dissent' have been given, the BNP leader said adding that the issue of constitutional reform also came up as an important issue, which needs an outline for its implementation.

Salahuddin said the amendment of the constitution and the issues on which consensus was reached were promised to be implemented within two years of the formation of the next parliament. However, that commitment is no longer in the final draft, he added.

“The July Charter has been placed above the constitution in the pledge made after the second round of discussions, which is not correct. No document can be above the constitution. If such a precedent is set, it will be a negative example for the future,” he said.

In addition, he mentioned the statement that the charter cannot be questioned is also unacceptable.

Regarding the elections, Salahuddin said that the national elections will be held in the first half of February 2026. 

The chief adviser has already written a letter to the Election Commission and the commission's preparations are almost at the final stage, he said.

However, recently, some advisers have clearly talked about the election schedule, he said. 

BNP has no doubt about this. Although some on the ground are giving different statements which could be part of a political strategy, he added.