Islamist Parties Rally in Dhaka Demanding Charter Referendum and Electoral Reforms

Massive Rally in Dhaka Calls for Key Reforms

Thousands of supporters of Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami and seven allied Islamist political parties converged on Paltan intersection in Dhaka on Tuesday, November 11, 2025, to demand significant political reforms from the interim government. The rally, which began around 2 PM, caused severe traffic congestion across the capital as activists arrived in processions from various parts of the city.

The demonstration was organized to press a five-point demand, primarily focusing on the legal recognition of the 'July Charter' through a national referendum and the implementation of a proportional representation system for the next general election. Key leaders, including Jamaat Ameer Shafiqur Rahman and Islami Andolan Bangladesh Ameer Mufti Syed Muhammad Rezaul Karim, addressed the gathering, emphasizing the urgency of their demands.

The 'July Charter' and its Significance

A central demand of the rallying parties is the legalization of the 'July Charter'. This charter is named after the national uprising in July 2024 that led to the ouster of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina after 15 years in power. The charter aims to introduce substantial reforms to Bangladesh's political system, including:

• Bringing more checks and balances to avoid authoritarian administrations.
• Granting the presidency more authority to balance the previously powerful prime minister position.
• Proposing term limits for legislators.
• Implementing measures to prevent conflicts of interest, money laundering, and corruption.

The parties insist that the charter, currently non-binding, must be given a legal and constitutional basis through a referendum before the upcoming national election.

Five-Point Demands for Electoral and Governance Reforms

The coalition of Islamist parties presented a comprehensive five-point demand to the interim government, led by Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus. The demands include:

• Holding a referendum on the July Charter before the national election.
• Issuing an order to implement the July Charter and providing it with legal recognition and a constitutional basis.
• Adopting a proportional representation (PR) system for the next parliamentary elections.
• Ensuring equitable and credible elections.
• Taking visible action on accountability related to past political repression, killings, and corruption.

The parties have warned that there will be 'no election' unless the referendum is held and the charter is made legally binding.

Government Response and Future Actions

The interim government, formed in August 2024 with a pledge to facilitate a free and fair national election by February 2026, had previously urged political parties to reach a consensus on the referendum date. However, a deadline for this consensus expired on November 10 without an agreement. Reports suggest the interim government's Advisory Council may make a decision on the matter soon.

In response to the perceived inaction, Jamaat-e-Islami and its allies have threatened to initiate an indefinite sit-in in front of the Chief Adviser's residence, Jamuna, starting from November 16, if their demands are not addressed. This signals a potential escalation of political agitation in Bangladesh as the country approaches its next general election.