A 12-party alliance held talks with the Left Democratic Alliance and several progressive political parties to discuss implementation of the July national charter. Participants advised against unnecessary delays by the reform commission on matters not essential to the charter and urged continued momentum for the election-focused reform process. Leaders at the meeting emphasized that Bangladesh has boarded the “election train” and must keep that journey moving. The 12-party alliance said attendees agreed, for the sake of national consensus, to sign implementation commitments and pledges even if compromises are required. They warned against any pretext that could obstruct the election and stressed that there is no alternative to democracy. Left-alliance leaders cautioned that holding referendums on election day could create complications. They also recommended that fundamental constitutional reforms be implemented in the next parliament rather than through emergency measures.