Highlights
- Law Minister says July Charter is independent and not linked to any referendum
- Claims BNP strongly supports and believes in the July Charter
- Says the Charter can be implemented through Parliament
- Warns against “misleading information” about referendum cancellation
- Also warns of strict action, including death penalty, against fuel hoarding
Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Asaduzzaman has said that the July Charter is completely independent and has no connection with whether a referendum is cancelled or not. He made this statement on Saturday at an event in Shailkupa Upazila Dhaora village in Jhenaidah. Law Minister Advocate Md. Asaduzzaman clarified that the July Charter is independent and fully effective on its own. He said,
“জুলাই সনদ নিজেই স্বতন্ত্র, স্বকীয় ও কার্যকরী। জুলাই সনদ কার্যকর করতে পারবে এই পার্লামেন্ট। জুলাই সনদ কীভাবে কার্যকর হবে সেটা জুলাই সনদের মধ্যেই বলে দেওয়া আছে। সুতরাং, জুলাই সনদ হওয়া না হওয়া নিয়ে গণভোট বাতিল হওয়া নির্ভর করে না। এটা আমরা পার্লামেন্টে সুস্পষ্টভাবে বলেছি।”
Translation: “The July Charter itself is independent, distinct, and effective. This Parliament can implement the July Charter. How the July Charter will be implemented is already stated within the Charter itself. Therefore, the cancellation of the referendum does not depend on whether the July Charter exists or not. We have clearly stated this in Parliament.”
BNP’s Position on the July Charter
Law Minister said that BNP strongly supports the July Charter and considers it part of their core beliefs. He said,
“বিএনপি জুলাই সনদকে হৃদয়ে ধারণ করে। বিএনপি জুলাই সনদকে চেতনায় ধারণ করে।”
Translation: BNP holds the July Charter in its heart and in its ideology.
He added that BNP believes the Charter was written with the sacrifices of people during the July–August 2024 protest.
Implementation Through Constitution Amendment
According to the minister, the July Charter clearly states that it should be implemented through constitutional amendments. he said,
“যারা বলছেন গণভোট বাতিল হলে জুলাই সনদ বাতিল হবে, এটা মিথ্যা বিভ্রান্তিকর তথ্য।”
Translation: Those who say the July Charter will be cancelled if the referendum is cancelled are spreading false and misleading information.
Criticism of Opposition Role in Parliament
Law minister also questioned the role of the opposition in Parliament, accusing them of boycotting the President’s speech instead of participating in discussions. He expressed,
“রাষ্ট্রপতির ভাষণ বয়কট করছেন… এটা হলো জামায়াতের চরিত্র। এইটা হলো মুনাফিকি চরিত্র।”
Translation: You are boycotting the President’s speech… this reflects a hypocritical character.
Read More: Government Can Be Removed If It Fails People: Shahidul Alam
Warning Over Fuel Crisis and Hoarding
Speaking on the fuel crisis, the minister said some people are creating instability by collecting fuel multiple times using the same vehicles and storing it illegally. He warned that strict legal action could be taken under the Special Powers Act of 1974. said,
“প্রয়োজনবোধে সেই শাস্তি আমরা প্রয়োগ করব। এবং তার সর্বোচ্চ শাস্তি মৃত্যুদণ্ড।”
Translation: If necessary, we will enforce the law, and the maximum punishment could be death penalty.
He urged law enforcement agencies and administration to take strict measures to control the situation, assuring that party members would support them.
Other Statements at the Event
State Minister for Water Resources Farhad Hossain Azad said that dredging canals and rivers is essential to save the country and illegal occupation of water bodies will be removed regardless of influence. He also mentioned that Prime Minister Tarique Rahman is expected to visit Shailkupa between April 18 and 20 to participate in a canal excavation program.
Source: Bangladesh Pratidin
