Speaking to reporters after paying tribute at the grave of BNP founder and martyred President Ziaur Rahman in Dhaka on Saturday, Salahuddin said, “As far as I know, the National Citizens Party (NCP) and four leftist political parties could not attend the signing ceremony. I will not say they refused to sign, because the opportunity to sign remains open. Hopefully, they will sign the charter in the future.”
The BNP leader placed the wreath as part of an event marking the 26th founding anniversary of the Ziaur Rahman Foundation (ZRF).
Salahuddin expressed optimism that the absence of these parties from the initial signing would not derail the electoral process. “This will not have a big impact on the next election. We believe tolerance will prevail. Perhaps they have some specific demands. At some point, we hope they will also sign the July Charter. In a democracy, it is natural to have differing opinions—it remains an open process,” he said.
He further urged all political parties to move forward with patience and mutual respect, saying, “Let us practice democratic culture through tolerance and dialogue. Only then will we be able to build a truly strong and effective democratic state, fulfilling the dreams and sacrifices of our martyrs.”
When asked about allegations from the July Fighters that they were not properly recognized in the July Charter, Salahuddin said, “The organization spoke to us and the Consensus Commission about their logical demands. I personally supported those demands. Professor Ali Riaz, the Vice-Chairman of the Commission, addressed the issue and clarified it publicly. So, there is no reason for dissatisfaction.”
He added that the recent unrest surrounding the signing ceremony was under investigation. “We have learned that some unruly individuals and students entered under the name of July Fighters. These were not genuine activists but elements linked to the fascist forces of the former Awami regime,” he alleged.
Salahuddin accused the “Awami fascist forces” of trying to create unrest. “They were visible again yesterday, attempting to cause chaos. I do not believe that any true July fighter or anyone associated with the July Uprising was involved in such acts,” he said.
Meanwhile, Nahid Islam, convener of the National Citizens Party (NCP)—one of the parties that did not sign the charter—criticized Salahuddin’s earlier comments and accused him of disrespecting the July fighters.
Nahid said, “Salahuddin Ahmed called the injured July fighters followers of the fascist Awami League. We strongly condemn and protest this. Perhaps he said it due to misinformation—he was not in the country for a long time and did not witness the July Uprising firsthand.”
He added, “When heroes like Atiqul Gazi, who lost his hand in the movement, or the fathers of martyrs Mir Mughde and Yamin, are labeled as friends of the fascist Awami League, it becomes deeply painful for us. We demand that he withdraw his remarks and apologize to the injured fighters and families of the martyrs.”
Nahid urged Salahuddin to “sit with the July fighters, listen to their stories, and understand the history of how they fought and sacrificed for the nation.”
The July National Charter, regarded as a landmark political document, was signed on Friday (October 17) by Chief Adviser Professor Dr. Muhammad Yunus and top leaders of 24 political parties at the South Plaza of the National Parliament Building.
After the signing, Dr. Yunus said, “Today will be a great example for the world. I applaud all political parties and members of the Consensus Commission for making the impossible possible. Their names will be remembered in history.”
However, the NCP, along with several left-wing parties including the CPB, BSD, Bangladesh JSD, and BSD (Marxist), abstained from signing the charter, citing concerns that it lacked a clear legal framework for implementation.
Before the signing ceremony, a group of July Warriors entered the Parliament Building premises and gathered in front of the stage. When police tried to remove them, a violent clash ensued, involving baton charges, brick-throwing, vandalism of police vehicles, and arson. Several people, including police officers and protesters, were injured in the confrontation.
