Four left-leaning political parties yesterday met with the National Consensus Commission and submitted a memorandum explaining why they had not signed the July National Charter yet.

In the memorandum, the parties raised seven specific objections, arguing that the historical and political background of the Liberation War had not been accurately represented in the Charter and that their proposed amendments were ignored.

The parties are Communist Party of Bangladesh (CPB), the Socialist Party of Bangladesh (BSD), BSD (Marxist) and Bangladesh Jasad.

CPB General Secretary Abdullah Al Kafi Ratan and BSD (Marxist) Coordinator Masud Rana handed over the memorandum to Commission Vice President Ali Riaz. The memorandum was addressed to Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus, who is also the chief of the Consensus Commission.

The parties expressed concern over ambiguities regarding how the Charter's commitments would be implemented and incorporated into the constitution, particularly concerning differing opinions and the "note of dissent".

The parties further objected to a clause that restricts the right to challenge the Charter in court, saying it goes against fundamental rights.

They opposed the removal of the Proclamation of Independence and the Declaration of Independence from the sixth and seventh schedules of the Constitution, calling it an attack on the nation's founding principles.

Speaking to reporters, Riaz said the commission had clarified that the Proclamation of Independence had not been removed from the Charter.

"We have urged them to sign the July Charter," he said, adding that the discussions with the parties are ongoing and the commission hopes they will sign soon.

BSD (Marxist) Coordinator Masud Rana said his party had formally submitted its written concerns to the commission.

"The issue of the note of dissent should have been clearly defined in the Charter. We are willing to compromise on political matters, but not on the historical and structural realities of Bangladesh," he said.

CPB General Secretary Abdullah Al Kafi Ratan reiterated his party's firm position on the basic principles of the Constitution.

"We support incorporating the proposed principles of the July Charter alongside the existing constitutional ones. But we will not accept any move to replace them," he added.

Later in the afternoon, a 13-member team of July victims met with the Commission, where they called for legal protection for their families and demanded the issuance of official identification cards for every victim.

During the meeting, held at the LD Hall of the National Parliament, the victims said that many of them have been unable to receive medical treatment at hospitals since last Eid-ul-Azha even though they possess official health cards.

The delegation urged the commission to ensure that the health adviser issues written instructions to all hospitals to guarantee medical care for the injured July victims.

They also highlighted the need for better coordination between the administration and medical institutions so that their healthcare rights are protected.

About the October 17 incident, the victims said the event was completely unexpected and explained that they had gathered at the South Plaza of the parliament to present their legitimate demands peacefully, not to cause any disturbance.

However, a group of outsiders infiltrated the gathering and became involved in clashes and acts of vandalism, which tarnished the image of the July victims, they said.

The group claimed to have identified around 20 to 25 such individuals who were responsible for the disorder.

They expressed regret for what happened that day and apologised for the incident. At the same time, they sought the Commission's assistance to have the four cases filed in connection with the incident withdrawn.

In response, the Commission assured them that all of their concerns would be taken seriously and conveyed to the relevant authorities for appropriate action.

The team included Md Sohag Mahmud, Kamrul Hasan, Md Al-Amin, Mustain Billah Habibi, Marufa Maya, Ahadul Islam and Nusrat Jahan.