BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Friday stated that his party remain firm on their decision to the call of Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami to have talks about the implementation of July National Charter and the proposed referendum.

He made the remarks after paying homage at the grave of BNP founder and former President Ziaur Rahman in Sher-e-Bangla Nagar, marking the “National Revolution and Solidarity Day.”

While adressing the reporters, the Secretary General said “Our position on this matter is already very clear. We informed you of our decision yesterday after the Standing Committee meeting — that is our statement.”

Earlier on Thursday afternoon, Jamaat’s Nayeb-e-Ameer Dr. Syed Abdullah Mohammad Taher phoned BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, urging him to sit for discussions on the Charter’s implementation and the proposed referendum.

According to BNP sources, the party’s Standing Committee discussed Jamaat’s proposal during a meeting at its Gulshan office Thursday night. The committee urged the interim government to take sincere and effective steps to lawfully implement the points agreed upon in the July Charter and ensure timely national elections.

The committee also cautioned all sides against creating fresh controversies or crises that could obstruct the democratic transition or derail the election process.

A statement issued after the meeting reaffirmed BNP’s full commitment to the consensus achieved through the National Consensus Commission and the July Charter signed on October 17 at the South Plaza of the National Parliament. “We are a stakeholder to that Charter and remain committed to its implementation under the Constitution and existing laws,” it said.

Fakhrul further stated that BNP, guided by the will of pro-democracy forces, would continue its struggle to restore democracy, honouring the sacrifices of those killed or injured in the July–August 2024 mass uprising. He warned against any “malicious attempt” to create new conflicts that could hinder the democratic process or delay the election.

Meanwhile, Jamaat leader Dr. Taher confirmed that he had invited BNP to formal talks. “A few days ago, we called for dialogue among political parties, and the Advisory Council approved it. I spoke to Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, and he responded positively, saying he would consult with relevant party leaders and inform us,” Taher said.

He added that Jamaat hopes for a direct meeting with BNP if it responds positively. “Nine parties are already in informal contact, and one of their representatives has approached us for discussions. We are all trying to find a political solution through dialogue,” he said.

Dr. Taher emphasised the urgency of beginning talks soon. “We are moving forward gradually, but time is becoming a critical factor. If the situation stabilises, all parties will join the electoral process — from seat distribution to constituency adjustments,” he noted.

The Advisory Council, in its meeting on Monday, had given political parties seven days to submit recommendations to the government regarding the Charter’s implementation. However, no formal dialogue among parties has yet taken place, and no visible initiative has been made to convene such talks.