BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Thursday described holding a referendum before the national elections as unreasonable and ill-considered. He made the remarks at a press conference held at the political office of the BNP Chairperson in Gulshan, Dhaka.
Mirza Fakhrul said, “The recommendations of the National Unity Commission on the implementation of the July Charter are one-sided and have been imposed on the nation. If necessary, BNP will submit its views on the proposed recommendations of the July Charter to the Chief Advisor.”
He added, “We hope the nation will remain united to uphold the pledge of those who sacrificed their lives in the 16-year anti-fascist movement and the 2024 mass uprising. The primary responsibility of an interim government is to organize a free, fair, and credible election. Through national unity, we aim to build a democratic state based on equality, human dignity, and justice.”
The BNP Secretary General warned, “Any attempt to divide the nation will create disunity and bring misfortune to national life. We seek unity, not deceit.”
He further criticized the proposal stating, “It suggests that elected MPs will simultaneously act as the ‘Constitution Reform Council.’ The Election Commission’s constitutional powers are limited only to national parliament and presidential elections. They have no authority to form a Constitution Reform Council.”
Mirza Fakhrul also called the idea that if the council fails to complete its work within 270 days, the reform bill will automatically be incorporated into the constitution, “ridiculous and contrary to democratic norms.” He proposed that, given the elections scheduled for February, the referendum should be held on the same day as the election.
He emphasized, “Holding a pre-election referendum is unnecessary, unreasonable, and ill-considered. Combining the election and referendum would be more practical in terms of time, cost, and security arrangements.”
Mirza Fakhrul added that BNP has actively participated in discussions with the Reform Commission and the National Unity Commission, making concessions where appropriate. “We have always supported reforms. The 19-point plan of Shaheed Ziaur Rahman, Khaleda Zia’s Vision 2030, and Tarique Rahman’s 27-point plan all demonstrate BNP’s commitment to democratic reform,” he said.
BNP Standing Committee members Abdul Moin Khan, Hafiz Uddin Ahmed, Salahuddin Ahmed, and Nazrul Islam Khan were present at the press conference.
