July Charter has no legal basis: Home minister

Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed has said the July Charter has no legal basis, stressing that political consensus and cooperation from the opposition are essential to prevent the recurrence of authoritarianism and fascism in Bangladesh.

He made the remarks at a seminar titled ‘Constitutional Crisis in Post-Independence Bangladesh and Baksal’ at the July Memorial Museum on Saturday (October 31).

The minister said political unity was necessary to ensure that the country did not witness another July uprising. He also called for constitutional reforms to prevent the rise of authoritarian rule in the future.

Salahuddin added constitutional reform required discussion and consensus, adding that a long march could not resolve the issue.

He also stressed the need to ensure judicial independence, saying judges enjoyed sufficient freedom in conducting judicial proceedings. The ultimate authority, he said, rested with the country and its people.