BNP to take ‘yes’ stand in referendum: Mahdi Amin

The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) has announced it will take an overall stance in favour of a ‘yes’ vote in the upcoming referendum, which will be held alongside the 13th national parliamentary election on 12 February.

“When our parliamentary candidates visited Dhaka, we informed them that BNP will campaign in favour of a ‘yes’ vote during the election period,” said Mahdi Amin, spokesperson for the party’s Election Steering Committee, on Wednesday.

Speaking at a press briefing at BNP’s Gulshan election office, Mahdi Amin added that the party has already notified all members of its decision to support a ‘yes’ outcome in the referendum.

During the July Charter formulation under the National Consensus Commission, BNP had taken a clear position while recording certain notes of dissent, which the party continues to uphold, he noted.

Mahdi emphasised that BNP has consistently worked towards accountability and transparency in governance and pursued structural reforms through its 31-point reform agenda. “These efforts form the basis for our support of a ‘yes’ vote in the referendum,” he said.

He also highlighted those differing opinions and note of dissent are natural in a democracy and will continue to be addressed in Parliament.

According to Mahdi, BNP views the referendum as an opportunity to strengthen democratic processes and prioritise the voice of the people. He urged all political parties to adhere to democratic norms and comply fully with the election code of conduct to ensure the public’s aspirations are reflected in both the parliamentary election and the referendum.