Eight political parties led by Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami, demonstrating for a five-point demand that includes holding a national referendum ahead of the general election, have agreed, in the country’s greater interest, to accept the government’s decision to hold the referendum on the same day as the 13th parliamentary polls.
We had previously insisted on holding the referendum prior to the national election. But the government has announced that it will conduct the referendum on Election Day, saying it is not feasible for them to organise it separately,” said Khelafat Majlis Secretary General Dr Ahmad Abdul Kader.
“Considering the broader national interest, we have accepted this. Our focus now is to ensure a victory for the ‘Yes’ vote,” he said.
The announcement came on Monday evening after an emergency meeting of the liaison committee of the parties at the central office of Khelafat Majlis in the capital’s Purana Paltan area. Dr Kader briefed reporters following the meeting.
He said all eight parties will run month-long campaigns throughout December to mobilise public support in favour of the "yes" option in the referendum. He added that the parties will carry out extensive leafletting, rallies, public outreach, and awareness campaigns.
Dr Kader said that although the parties accepted the government’s timing, they were not withdrawing any of their key demands. “Ensuring a level playing field in the election, bringing fascist criminals to justice, and imposing restrictions on political parties that collaborated with past fascism—these demands remain intact,” he said.
Referring to the series of divisional rallies already completed, Dr Kader said the public response proved that "people accepted the causes and programs" of the eight parties, strengthening morale among supporters and activists.
The liaison committee coordinator and Jamaat-e-Islami Assistant Secretary General Dr Hamidur Rahman Azad attended the meeting, along with representatives from Islami Andolon Bangladesh, Bangladesh Khelafat Majlis, Khelafat Majlis, Nezame Islam Party, Bangladesh Khelafat Andolon, Bangladesh Development Party and Jatiya Ganatantrik Party.
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