July Charter to boost democracy, institutions: Salahuddin

He said, "Through the full implementation of the July Charter, a strong democratic society, government, and state will be built in Bangladesh through democratic reforms within the state structure. This will ensure balance among all organs of the state and enable people to fully realize and enjoy their democratic, human, and other fundamental rights. That is why we have embarked on this new journey."

Salahuddin made the remarks after paying homage at the grave of BNP founder Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman in Sher-e-Bangla Nagar in the city.

Marking the 26th founding anniversary of the Ziaur Rahman Foundation (ZRF), leaders and activists of the organization also joined him. 

During the event, ZRF Executive Director Prof Dr Farhad Halim Donar and Director (Admin) Prof Dr Morshed Hasan Khan, among others, were present.

Emphasizing the continuation of democratic practices, Salahuddin said, "What is most necessary at the current time is the practice of democratic culture and ensuring its continuation. This journey began yesterday with the signing of the July National Charter, reports BSS. 

We want to bring about a change in the country's political culture to consolidate the nation's independence, sovereignty, and democracy, and that practice has already begun."

Appealing to all for patience, the senior BNP leader urged, "We call upon the people to move forward with patience, tolerance, and the practice of democratic culture. Only then will we be able to truly build an effective and strong democratic state."

A few political parties have not yet signed the July Charter. When asked whether this would affect the upcoming national election, Salahuddin replied, "To my knowledge, the NCP and four left-leaning political parties could not attend the signing ceremony. The opportunity to sign is still open. I hope they will sign the charter in the future. I don't believe this will have a major impact on the next election."

He noted that it is not a given that everyone in a democracy will agree on one issue, adding, "We believe that tolerance will prevail among everyone. Perhaps they have some demands which they will discuss with the interim government. We believe that at some point, they will also sign the July Charter. Not everyone has to agree in a democracy."

In response to a journalist's question, Salahuddin said, "An organization called 'July Fighters' had spoken with us, as well as with the Consensus Commission. They had a valid demand, and I myself posted on Facebook and spoke out to address their concern. Professor Ali Riaz, Vice President of the Consensus Commission, properly addressed and corrected it. After this, they should have no cause for dissatisfaction."

"We have investigated the disturbances that occurred and found that some unruly individuals disguised as students - who are actually agents of the ousted fascist Awami forces - infiltrated and created chaos in the name of the July Fighters. No organization or individual truly involved with the July Uprising can be involved in such disorder," he added.