Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami has called on the government to hold a national referendum before the upcoming general election, aimed at securing legal legitimacy for the July National Charter, reports UNB.
Speaking to the press during a break in the ongoing political dialogue at the Foreign Service Academy in Dhaka on Sunday, Jamaat Assistant Secretary General Hamidur Rahman Azad emphasized the importance of holding the referendum ahead of the elections. "All political parties, including the BNP, support a referendum to make the July Charter legally binding. But we believe it should be done before the national elections," he said.
Azad elaborated that although the concept of a referendum is somewhat unfamiliar to the people of Bangladesh, the process could be carried out smoothly if executed properly. “We think it can be organized in November or December without interfering with the national election schedule. It could even be done before the election schedule is announced. The process should be simple and accessible to the public," Azad explained.
The Jamaat leader expressed confidence that such a referendum would have broad acceptance across the country. "A referendum to legally back the Charter will not be contested or rejected in Parliament. It will have widespread approval," he asserted.
Addressing concerns over potential outcomes, Azad underscored that Jamaat would respect the will of the people, regardless of the result. “Even if the referendum doesn’t go in our favor, we are prepared to accept the decision of the public. We are ready to make necessary compromises without objections.”
He further stated that political consensus has formed around the idea of a referendum, with all parties, including Jamaat and BNP, agreeing on the need for such a move. "The Election Commission will conduct the referendum, but first, the government must direct the Commission to initiate it," Azad said, signaling Jamaat's desire for government action on the issue.
Azad also reiterated Jamaat’s long-standing commitment to political reforms. "Most political parties now support a referendum as a means to give a legal foundation to the July Charter, which is in line with our vision for political and democratic progress in Bangladesh," he concluded.
Jamaat Assistant Secretary General Rafiqul Islam Khan and lawyer Shishir Monir were also present during the press interaction.
Bd-pratidin English/ Jisan
