Amid the raging dispute over the referendum and the July charter implementation order, the interim government has called on political parties to settle their differences and reach a unified decision as soon as possible, preferably within a week.
Law Adviser Professor Asif Nazrul made the call at a press conference following an emergency meeting of the advisory council, chaired by Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus at his Tejgaon office yesterday.
According to Asif Nazrul, the meeting discussed finalising the July charter implementation order as well as the date and content of the referendum.
The council noted that despite prolonged discussions between the consensus commission and political parties, disagreements remain over several reform recommendations, the timing and subject matter of the referendum, and amendments to the Representation of the People Order.
BNP wants the referendum on the July charter on the election day, while Jamaat wants it to be held by November.
Also, the government is considering stepping back from an amendment to the RPO that it approved recently.
The amendment, endorsed at an advisory council meeting on October 23, made it mandatory for each party in an alliance to contest the polls with its own symbol instead of a common one. If reversed, it would allow parties in an alliance to use a common symbol in the election.
"Anti-fascist political parties have been in dialogue over the past 15 years, reaching numerous decisions and standing united through difficult times. The government now expects these parties to hold discussions and present a unified decision."
While the BNP supports the government's move to undo the amendment, Jamaat-e-Islami, the NCP, and Khelafat Majlish oppose it, saying it would unfairly benefit a particular political party.
In light of these issues, Asif Nazrul said the council stressed the urgent need to reach unified decisions on these matters.
"Political parties have been urged to take the initiative to engage in dialogue among themselves and provide the government with a unified decision as soon as possible, ideally within a week. This will help the government's decision-making process. The current situation leaves no room for delay."
The advisory council also reaffirmed the government's commitment to holding the national election in the first half of February next year.
Asked what would happen if the political parties fail to come to an understanding, Asif Nazrul said, "We have not issued any ultimatum. We will wait. After that, the government will act as necessary."
Asked if the government will further arrange dialogues for political parties, he said the government has already held extensive discussions and does not intend to organise any more.
"Anti-fascist political parties have been in dialogue over the past 15 years, reaching numerous decisions and standing united through difficult times. The government now expects these parties to hold discussions and present a unified decision."
The adviser did not comment when asked about the complaint by political parties that many of the issues discussed with the consensus commission were not included in the July charter.
JAMMAT WANTS 'REFEREE'
Later in the day, Jamaat-e-Islami Nayeb-e-Ameer Syed Abdullah Muhammad Taher urged Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus to play the role of a "referee" in holding dialogue among political parties.
"We welcome the decision taken by the advisory council. However, I would like to add one point: if the council believes its responsibility is now over and that it will no longer take any initiative and leave everything to political parties, then there may be a need for a referee in the process. That's why I hope the chief adviser will play a referee-like role, as he has done in the past," Taher told a press conference at the Khelafat Majlish office in the city yesterday.
He said the advisory council's call is similar to Jamaat's call on Sunday for a dialogue. "We want to see the main stakeholder parties respond positively. If they do, a way forward will emerge."
'SNAKES AND LADDERS'
Meanwhile, NCP Member-Secretary Akhter Hossen said the government is "playing snakes and ladders" over political reforms, alleging that it is stalling the process instead of implementing agreed-upon decisions.
Speaking at a press conference at the party office yesterday, he said all parties had reached a consensus through the consensus commission, and the government was supposed to issue an order based on those recommendations.
"Instead, the government is asking the political parties to again discuss the matters over the next seven days. It seems the government is playing snakes and ladders on reforms."
Akhter alleged that the government is attempting to shift the responsibility for reforms onto the political parties, rather than taking action itself.
"A faction within the government is trying to sabotage the reform process and disrupt the election," he said, adding, "It is disappointing to see the government trying to derail the election through formalities."
He also criticised political parties for failing to implement the reform pledges they made in July.
"The July charter implementation order must be issued as soon as possible. People will not support any actions that derail reforms or disrupt elections."
Akhter called for immediate steps to honour the referendum decision.