Opposition Leader Shafiqur Rahman Criticizes BNP Government Over July Charter

By the Editorial Team · Monday, October 19, 2026

Jamaat-e-Islami leader Shafiqur Rahman accused the BNP government of failing to honor commitments related to the July charter and excluding the opposition from its implementation. This breakdown in cooperation has prompted opposition forces to initiate political movements outside the parliamentary process, signaling escalating tensions in Bangladesh’s political landscape.

Shafiqur Rahman, leader of Jamaat-e-Islami and Opposition Leader, criticized the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) government for failing to uphold its commitments related to the July charter. Speaking at a discussion organized by the Amar Bangladesh Party at the Dhaka Reporters Unity auditorium in Segunbagicha on October 18, Rahman accused the BNP of neglecting to engage the opposition in implementing the charter.

Rahman emphasized that his party had consistently expressed willingness to cooperate with the government, but claimed that the BNP had not sought or accepted such cooperation. “We have long been saying that we would cooperate with the government. From today, we declare that we will cooperate with the 18 crore people. This government has failed to take our cooperation,” he stated.

He further charged that the BNP had abandoned its earlier promises regarding the execution of the July charter and the referendum results after assuming office, compelling opposition forces to resort to movements outside the parliamentary framework. “Had the BNP respected the mandate of both votes, we would not have needed to launch a movement outside parliament even for a second. They have pushed us onto the path of agitation,” Rahman said.

The July charter refers to a set of political demands and agreements which the opposition contends were to be honored following a referendum held earlier this year. The BNP government’s alleged retreat from these commitments has underscored mounting tensions between the ruling party and opposition groups.

The discussion at the Dhaka Reporters Unity included participation by various political figures, including the Opposition Chief Whip and the National Citizen Party chief coordinator. However, further details from these participants were not immediately available.

The BNP government, which came to power following recent national elections, has yet to publicly address these accusations. The dispute highlights ongoing political friction in Bangladesh as opposition leaders press for greater adherence to pre-election agreements and more inclusive governance.

This article was reported by synthesizing coverage from multiple independent news outlets to present a balanced, unbiased account. Read about our editorial standards. Spotted an error? Let us know.