The National Consensus Commission has recommended holding a referendum before the upcoming national election, urging the Election Commission to initiate discussions on the matter without delay.

The announcement came on Tuesday (28 October) afternoon at a press conference held at the Foreign Service Academy in Dhaka. Dr Ali Riaz, vice-president of the National Consensus Commission, disclosed the recommendation while briefing reporters.

Earlier in the day, the commission submitted its set of recommendations on implementing the July Charter to the Chief Adviser of the interim government, Dr Muhammad Yunus.

Speaking at the press conference, Dr Riaz said that all political parties would receive copies of the implementation proposals by the end of the day. He added that the commission had recommended that issues not conflicting with the Constitution be executed swiftly through government ordinances.

He mentioned that the commission provided guidance on 48 constitutional matters, which will be placed before the public through a single referendum.

The Constitutional Reform Council will be formed within nine months of the next national parliament. If the council fails to implement the proposed changes within 270 days, the provisions of the July Charter will automatically be incorporated into the Constitution,” Dr Riaz explained.

Regarding the signing of the July Charter, he said that communication remains ongoing with parties that have yet to sign, including the NCP. “We have been in contact with the NCP and hope they will also sign the charter,” Dr Riaz added.