The emerging discussion, however, centers around the upcoming referendum
Social media platform Facebook has become abuzz with “Yes” and “No” posts as new campaigns both for and against a proposed national referendum gain ground. Since midnight on Thursday (October 30), users’ newsfeeds have been flooded with such posts, most of which contain no explanation or context behind the shared images.
Many users expressed surprise at the sudden trend, asking what lies behind it and who is supporting which side. The emerging discussion, however, centers around the upcoming referendum.
In the debate over the referendum, the BNP, Jamaat-e-Islami, and the National Citizens’ Party (NCP) have taken differing positions. The “Yes” and “No” posts reflect these political divides.
Political reactions have been mixed to the government’s handling of the National Consensus Commission’s recommendations on implementing the July National Charter. The BNP insists that the national election and the referendum be held on the same day, while Jamaat-e-Islami wants the referendum to take place in November.
The NCP, while not specifying an exact date, has demanded that the referendum be held before the national election. This has placed the NCP’s stance closer to Jamaat’s, while the BNP remains opposed. The disagreement has spilled onto social media, sparking a wave of digital activism.
Among those joining the campaign is Nasir Uddin Nasir, General Secretary of the Bangladesh Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal (JCD), who posted a “No” image on his profile. Meanwhile, the verified page of the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement shared a “Yes” post supporting the referendum.
Meanwhile, the National Consensus Commission has submitted its recommendations on implementing the July Charter to Chief Adviser Professor Dr. Muhammad Yunus. The commission’s vice-chairman, Dr. Ali Riaz, said they have recommended holding the referendum either before or on the day of the national election and have urged the Election Commission to begin discussions on the matter without delay.
Bd-pratidin English/FNC
