The government has said it will make its own decision on Thursday if parties fail to reach an agreement on issues surrounding the implementation of constitutional reforms under the July charter by that time.

After the end of a week-long deadline set by the government, parties remained unmoved yesterday on the timing of a referendum on the reforms, an order on implementation, and the fate of the notes of dissent.

Officials said the administration will wait a few more days, but is ready to act if the deadlock continues.

Contacted for comments, Energy Adviser Muhammad Fouzul Kabir Khan told The Daily Star yesterday, "We are waiting for the political parties' decision… If we don't get it, we will make a decision on November 13 [Thursday]."

Environment Adviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan echoed the stance, telling reporters at the Secretariat that the government had given parties ample time to decide.

"No decision came from them. Since they didn't sit for discussions within the seven-day window, the government will now make a decision… it has the responsibility and the authority," she said.

She said the government's doors were open to all parties. "But I haven't heard of any new invitations for dialogue. My understanding is that the government will now clarify its position... People have expectations of us," she said.

Government sources said some advisers may sit today to analyse the situation and possible outlines to be discussed at Thursday's advisory council meeting.

On November 3, the interim administration urged parties to resolve disputes within a week, warning that otherwise it would "act as necessary".

As the government weighs its next move with less than a month before the expected announcement of the election schedule for polls in early February, political analysts say time is running out.

They warn that the stalemate reflects a deeper structural crisis, one that could jeopardise the upcoming transitional election if not resolved constructively. They urged parties to abandon rigid postures, compromise, and act in the national interest.

"It seems the situation has thickened, the crisis has deepened," said Prof Al Masud Hasanuzzaman of Jahangirnagar University's government and politics department.

"We've constantly seen that political parties have approached the July charter with narrow calculations, seeking advantage wherever possible. Now, at this final stage, they are engaged in pressure politics, trying to influence decision makers through political manoeuvring," he said.

"It seems the ball is now in the government's court, and the chief adviser will announce the decision unless something unexpected happens.

"If the parties' reaction is positive, it would be good for the country, but if not, it signals trouble for Bangladesh and could directly affect the election negatively," he added.

Dhaka University political science Prof Sabbir Ahmed said the government must now act decisively. "It must have the courage to declare its position. Some will be pleased, others won't. But I don't think anyone will walk away from the electoral field," he said.

He suggested the government do its homework, assess the pros and cons of each option, prepare its stance, and give parties a day to respond.

"In my view, the government should announce its decision within a week at most. It's already been delayed too long. Not every decision will align with every party's interest," he added.

"Those who can rise above their egos at this moment will improve their public image. That's something political parties need to understand."

North South University's Prof Sk Tawfique M Haque said the government appears ready to move ahead independently. "Had the parties reached consensus, it would've been easier for the government. But from what I know, it's preparing to announce a decision on its own. The hope is that the parties will accept," he said.

He cautioned that the decision will likely go against one or more major political groups, risking further complications.

"The government should announce its decision and then call the parties one last time to urge them to accept within this framework.

"The parties must adopt an accommodative attitude and a mindset ready to compromise for the sake of the national interest," he said.

Leaders of political parties, however, sounded firm on their stances.

At a programme in Thakurgaon, BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir yesterday alleged that attempts were being made to delay the election.

"Postponing the election would spell disaster for us and for the country. We want the interim government to waste no time in announcing the election schedule and to take steps to establish an elected government without delay."

At a press conference in Dhaka yesterday, Jamaat-e-Islami Assistant Secretary General Hamidur Rahman Azad said all parties had worked together for nine months with the consensus commission, but delays in their actions created complications in implementing the charter.

He said Jamaat had invited the BNP for talks, but the latter declined. "Still, if the BNP invites us for dialogue, we will respond," he added.

At a discussion on "Revolution and Solidarity Day", organised by Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal in Dhaka, BNP Standing Committee Member Salahuddin Ahmed said the party would join any dialogue if invited by Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus. "But why are we being invited through another party?" he asked.

National Citizen Party Joint Convenor Sarwar Tushar blamed BNP and Jamaat for the failure to reform national institutions. "Jamaat talks about bending fingers to get ghee out, while BNP talks about taking to the streets. Both parties think only of their own interests," he said.

"BNP had earlier agreed with the commission, the July charter order, and the referendum. Now they're denying it," he added, accusing the government of "playing a game of snakes and ladders with the people".

"Without a legal foundation for the July charter, no electoral environment can be created," he warned.