Bangladesh reform charter faces roadblocks ahead of 2025 polls
Bangladesh’s interim government says political parties have largely agreed on a sweeping reform charter but remain divided on how it should be implemented. The South Asian country of 170 million has faced political upheaval since Sheikh Hasina was ousted as prime minister in August 2024 following a student-led revolt. Interim leader Muhammad Yunus backs the 28-page draft, known as the “July Charter”, which proposes a two-term limit for prime ministers and expanded presidential powers. Ali Riaz, vice-chairman of the Consensus Commission, said around 30 parties have taken part in negotiations. “The political parties have agreed on 84 reform proposals, with only a few notes of dissent,” he said. “The main point of contention now is the procedure for implementing them.” The key sticking point The dispute centers on the charter’s legal weight: The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) insists that only […]