Bangladesh is going through a tense political situation as Tarique Rahman prepares to become the new Prime Minister. His party, the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), won a big victory in the February 12 general elections. Many people expected a smooth transfer of power. Instead, the country is now facing a constitutional crisis over what is being called a “double oath” issue.
The problem began when the BNP refused to take a second oath required under a new reform document known as the July Charter. This refusal has created a political deadlock and delayed the formation of the new government. The crisis has also increased tensions among coalition partners and raised fears of protests and unrest.
The July Charter is a reform document prepared after a major political movement in July 2024. The movement was led by students and eventually forced former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to step down. After that, political leaders and reform groups drafted the Charter to change how Bangladesh is governed.
The Charter includes 84 reform proposals. Its main aim is to reduce excessive power of the executive branch and strengthen democratic institutions. Supporters say it is designed to prevent the return of authoritarian rule in the future.
One of the key proposals is to turn the newly elected Parliament into a Constituent Assembly. This special body would have the power to rewrite or amend major parts of the Constitution. A Constitutional Reform Council would then implement these reforms within 270 working days.
A national referendum reportedly created strong public support for these reforms. As a result, there is an expectation that newly elected lawmakers must formally support the July Charter before they begin full legislative work.
This is where the “double oath” issue begins.
Under the new framework, elected leaders must take two separate oaths. The first oath is the traditional one. It confirms loyalty to the Constitution and allows lawmakers to officially assume their duties. This is the standard oath taken after elections in Bangladesh.
The second oath is new. It requires lawmakers to formally promise that they will uphold and implement the July Charter. Only after taking this second oath can Parliament legally function as a Constituent Assembly and begin constitutional reforms.
The BNP leadership has refused to take this second oath. Party leaders argue that the wording of the July Charter gives too much power to the Constituent Assembly. They believe it weakens the executive branch even before the new government is fully formed.
According to BNP officials, taking the second oath immediately could limit the government’s ability to handle urgent national issues. They say the first oath is enough to form the government and that any further commitment to the Charter should happen only after careful legal review.
This refusal has stopped the process of activating the new constitutional framework. As a result, the formation of the government has been delayed, creating uncertainty in the country.
The crisis has also created tension within the ruling alliance. The BNP’s coalition partners, including Jamaat-e-Islami and the Nationalist Citizen Party (NCP), strongly support the July Charter. They believe the reforms are necessary and reflect the will of the people.
These parties have accused the BNP of going back on promises made during election campaigning. Some leaders have even threatened to boycott the oath ceremony. They have warned that if the second oath is not taken, they may organise protests, blockades and nationwide demonstrations.
Political analysts say this disagreement could lead to serious instability. Bangladesh has experienced political unrest in the past, and any new protests could increase tensions between rival supporters. There are concerns about clashes on the streets if the situation is not resolved quickly.
The timing of this crisis is important. Tarique Rahman was expected to take oath as Prime Minister and begin forming his cabinet. Instead, attention has shifted to the legal and political battle over the second oath. What was supposed to be a moment of celebration after a major electoral victory has turned into a period of uncertainty.
Experts say the next few days will be crucial. If the BNP and its allies can reach a compromise, the government may still begin its term with relative stability. For example, they could agree to amend certain parts of the Charter or delay its implementation while forming the government.
However, if no agreement is reached, the country could face a deeper constitutional crisis. Parliament may not function properly, and public confidence in the political system could weaken. Investors and international partners are also closely watching developments, as political instability can affect the economy.
For now, Bangladesh stands at a crossroads. Tarique Rahman’s leadership begins under challenging circumstances. Whether the double oath dispute is resolved peacefully or turns into a larger confrontation will shape the country’s political future in the months ahead.
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