BNP will vote in favour of “Yes” in the upcoming referendum, said the party’s Election Steering Committee spokesperson Mahadi Amin on Wednesday.
He disclosed the information at a press briefing at BNP’s Gulshan office.
“We have told all our parliamentary candidates when they came to Dhaka that in the election campaign, we will take a position in favour of ‘Yes’ in the referendum,” he said.
He continued, “In the July Charter, that is, in the National Consensus Commission, BNP’s position included some notes of dissent, but during the mass uprising we saw the need for a fundamental change in the state structure.”
BNP has already worked to ensure transparency and accountability in governance. Our 31‑point programme embodies the most basic foundations of reform. Therefore, BNP will stand for “Yes” in the referendum, he added.
The referendum will be held simultaneously with the 13th parliamentary election on 12 February.
Calls for fair election and level playing field
Urging the political parties, Mahadi Amin said, the February election is a very important chapter for Bangladesh. He said, “We believe that by focusing on a positive, fair, and acceptable election campaign, every political party will ensure maximum tolerance and coexistence.”
He added, “We urge all political parties to fully comply with the electoral code of conduct so that the long‑awaited election reflects the aspirations and expectations of the people. Through our collective responsibility and practice of democracy, the polls can set a unique example.”
Responding to a query from journalists, the BNP leader said, “Going door to door to collect voter ID cards and bKash numbers is not acceptable. We urge the public to remain alert about this, because people have high expectations of voting this time.”
“The level playing field must not be destroyed in any way,” he said, adding, “If we see violations of the electoral code of conduct, such as organised collection of postal ballots abroad, or people taking IDs and bKash numbers, these are undesirable.”
He also urged BNP leaders and activists to embrace positive politics in the campaign, to reach out to ordinary people, present the party’s plans, and counter misinformation with facts.
Urging the Election Commission to ensure a level playing field to make the election error‑free and controversy‑free, he said, “We firmly believe that if a level playing field exists and the people’s right to vote is truly respected, then BNP will form the government with the people’s mandate.”
Tarique to start campaign with Sylhet
BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman is going to leave Dhaka for Sylhet around 8:15pm on Wednesday evening to officially begin his party’s election campaign, said Mahdi Amin.
Later at night, he will visit the shrines of Hazrat Shahjalal (RA) and Hazrat Shah Paran (RA). He is set to visit Sylhet after nearly 22 years and start to conduct election campaign by addressing a public rally on Thursday morning.
He will launch BNP’s election campaign in favour of the “sheaf of paddy” symbol at a rally on the Alia Madrasa ground.
Series of rallies across districts
After the Sylhet rally, Tarique will attend a gathering at the Sherpur–Ainpur ground in Moulvibazar.
On his way there, he is scheduled to address a rally at the new upazila parishad premises in Shayestaganj upazila of Habiganj. Further engagements include a rally at the Kuttapara Football Ground in Sarail upazila followed by an afternoon address at Bhairab Stadium in Kishoreganj.
During his return journey to Dhaka, the chairman will join an event in Narsingdi municipality area and another rally in Gausia area of Araihazar–Rupganj in Narayanganj. He is expected to reach his Gulshan residence late that night.
According to the party sources, Tarique will be accompanied on the tour by Abdul Kadir Bhuiyan Jewel, Mamun Hasan, Abdul Monayem Munna, Kazi Rowonukul Islam Shrabon, Yaseen Ferdous Murad, and Rakibul Islam Rakib, along with several other young, dedicated leaders.
He also said that BNP and the leaders of all its wings and affiliated organisations played an outstanding and unprecedented role in the 16‑year anti‑fascist movement and the mass uprising.
Out of respect and affection for them, the BNP chairperson has decided to take senior, dedicated leaders from different wings and affiliated organisations as companions on each of his tours, thereby recognising their struggle for the country.
Election theme song
Referring to the “election theme song”, Mahadi said that the campaign will begin with the launch of the theme song at midnight of 22 January at Dhaka’s Lake Shore Hotel.
The event will be inaugurated by Ruhul Kabir Rizvi, member secretary of the central election steering committee. Its Chief coordinator Ismail Zabihullah, BNP leaders, other members and distinguished guests will be present.
He also informed that after Sylhet, the next tour will be in Chattogram, details of which will be announced later.
