Referendum Demand by Jamaat and Like-Minded Parties is a Conspiracy to Derail the Election: Mirza Fakhrul

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir has described the demand for a referendum before the national election by eight like-minded parties, including Jamaat-e-Islami, as a conspiracy to sabotage the election.

He made this remark on Friday afternoon at a rally in front of the BNP central office in Naya Paltan, Dhaka, before a procession organized by the party.

The BNP central committee arranged the rally and procession to mark November 7 — National Revolution and Solidarity Day.

In his speech as the chair of the rally, Mirza Fakhrul said, “A political party has formed an alliance with several other parties. They are pressuring the government to hold a referendum before the election.”

Reiterating BNP’s position that the referendum must be held on the same day as the national election, Mirza Fakhrul added, “Holding two votes separately would cost a lot of money. Those who want a referendum before the election are actually conspiring to derail the electoral process.”

Mirza Fakhrul further said, “BNP has made it clear that if there is a referendum, it must be held on the same day as the election. The election must take place in February. Otherwise, the people of the country will not accept it.”

After the rally, a procession led by the BNP Secretary General was set to start from in front of the party’s central office.