SAD demands BNP clarify stance over ‘allied’ lawyers’ writ against July Charter

The Students Against Discrimination (SAD) on Tuesday demanded that the ruling Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) clarify its position regarding a writ petition that challenges the July National Charter and related reform processes.

The petition has been filed by lawyers close to the ruling party’s central leadership, the group alleged.

At an emergency press conference held at Madhur Canteen of Dhaka University at 4pm, SAD leaders criticised the move to seek judicial intervention over the July National Charter (Constitutional Reform) Implementation Order, the referendum and the oath-taking of members of the Constitutional Reform Council.

SAD president Rifat Rashid alleged that lawyers affiliated with the BNP had systematically approached the High Court to question the people’s mandate expressed through the July Uprising and subsequent referendum.

He named Advocate Gazi Kamrul Islam Sajal, Advocate Gazi Touhidul Islam and Mahfuzur Rahman Milon as among those who filed the writ petition, claiming that they were involved in BNP’s central politics and that some had sought party nominations in national elections.

“As a result, BNP must clarify whether this is merely a personal initiative or part of a party directive,” Rifat said.

He argued that political issues resolved through mass movements should not be taken to court.

“The people delivered their verdict through the July Uprising and the referendum. Instead of facing it politically, it is now being taken to the High Court,” he said.

Rifat claimed that around 1,400 people were killed and more than 30,000 were injured during the July Uprising.

“The people will not accept any ill-advised attempt to declare the national charter and the reform process, initiated on the basis of that sacrifice, illegal,” he added.

He further alleged that the BNP leadership had taken a “double stand” by publicly supporting the July Charter while, at the same time, allowing it to be challenged in court by lawyers aligned with the party.

SAD’s chief organiser, Hasib Al Islam, warned that any attempt to declare the Constitutional Reform Commission illegal would also raise questions about the legitimacy of the current government.

 “If the July Charter and the reform process are illegal, then the government formed in that context will also lose its legitimacy,” he said.

Hasib called on the BNP to issue a clear public statement explaining whether the writ petitioners acted on the party’s decision and what organisational measures would be taken if they had not.

Meanwhile, Salman, president of July Warriors – an organisation representing those injured in the July movement – demanded a clear roadmap for implementing the July Charter, administering the oath to members of the Constitutional Reform Council and completing the necessary legal procedures swiftly.

He warned that if the July Charter is not implemented, they would return to the streets alongside stakeholders of the July movement and organisations representing the injured.