Dhaka, Oct 17 (V7N) – The National Citizens’ Party (NCP) has announced it will not sign the July Accord without a clear legal basis and formal assurance regarding the issuance of constitutional orders. The decision was conveyed in a statement circulated to the media on Thursday, signed by NCP Senior Joint Convener and Political Liaison Chief Ariful Islam Adib.

The statement emphasized that the signature ceremony alone would not confer legal validity and is merely a formality. “We have repeatedly stressed the importance of a legal foundation. Without it, such formalities will turn into another unilateral document similar to the July Declaration,” the NCP said.

The NCP also indicated willingness to participate in the next stage of the consensus commission process, given the commission has extended the timeline. The party will present its stance during these proceedings and may sign the accord if its demands are met.

Government sources confirmed that on Thursday, efforts were made throughout the day, both directly and indirectly, to persuade NCP leaders to participate. Even late at night, multiple advisers reportedly engaged in discussions with the party’s top leaders.

According to a source connected to the National Consensus Commission, the NCP has shown slight flexibility. The commission hopes the party leaders will attend the ceremony and sign the document, though no confirmation was available from the NCP at the time of this report.

It was also learned that NCP convener Nahid Islam and information adviser Mahfuz Alam participated in extensive discussions on Tuesday night. While Mahfuz Alam does not officially hold a party position, he wields considerable influence within the NCP.

Party leaders emphasized that the July Accord will not be signed unless a formal constitutional order is issued, which they view as essential for advancing the reform process, particularly regarding constitutional amendments. They urged that a provisional constitutional order be issued and formally delivered by the chief adviser before signing.

During a Thursday morning press conference, NCP convener Nahid Islam reiterated that signing the July Accord without a legal basis would be merely ceremonial and effectively meaningless. Consequently, the NCP confirmed it would not participate in Friday’s signing ceremony.

END/AJ/SMA/