Opposition parties threaten protests over July Charter implementation in Bangladesh

An 11-party alliance has threatened nationwide protests unless the government fully implements the July Charter, accusing authorities of disregarding the outcome of a referendum and betraying the spirit of the 2024 uprising.

Speaking at a discussion at Dhaka Reporters Unity marking the charter’s first anniversary, Jamaat-e-Islami leader Shafiqur Rahman warned the government against abandoning promised reforms.

“If you do not implement the July Charter word-for-word, at every step you will face people’s hatred and protests,” Rahman said.

He accused the government of following the same path as the previous administration and undermining state institutions.

Rahman said his party would shift its focus from cooperating with the government to working directly with the public.

Alliance leaders warned of a protest movement if their demands, including constitutional changes, remain unfulfilled.

The July National Charter, signed in October 2025 following the 2024 uprising that toppled Sheikh Hasina, outlines 84 proposals to overhaul Bangladesh’s political and government institutions.

Major reforms include limiting prime ministers to 10 years in office, establishing a bicameral parliament, strengthening judicial independence, expanding presidential powers, protecting fundamental rights and reducing political influence over independent institutions.

Although voters endorsed constitutional reforms in a February 2026 referendum, Prime Minister Tarique Rahman’s Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) government has failed to implement key provisions, drawing criticism from opposition parties.

The BNP has resisted the referendum-backed constitutional reform process, including the formation of a Constitution Reform Council, and favors a parliamentary approach that opponents say would undermine the public mandate.