Dhaka, Oct. 16 -- Four left-leaning political parties have reiterated their decision not to sign the July National Charter, citing seven specific reasons.

The parties said the Charter, which includes recommendations for state reforms and a pledge of commitments, omits the four fundamental principles of the existing Constitution, excludes basic rights and declarations of independence, and contains clauses contrary to core freedoms, making their endorsement impossible.

The parties -- Bangladesh Communist Party (CPB), Bangladesh Socialist Party-BaSaD, BaSaD (Marxist), and Jatiya Samajtantrik Dal (JaSaD) -- outlined their objections at a joint media briefing on Thursday in Paltan.

Representatives emphasised that the Charter implicitly nega...