Islami Andolan Bangladesh has expressed concerns over the government’s decision to hold the July National Charter referendum alongside the upcoming national elections, calling it “undesirable” while noting that the party will review the matter further.
Speaking at an urgent press briefing at Puran Paltan in the capital at 7pm on Thursday, following the Chief Adviser’s earlier speech, the party’s Joint Secretary General and spokesperson, Maulana Gazi Ataur Rahman, said the party had long demanded that the referendum be held before the elections due to valid concerns.
“During national elections, political parties engage in opposing campaigns. In such an environment, campaigning in favour of the July Charter would be limited, putting the process of gathering public opinion at risk. If the Charter is jeopardised, the sacrifices we have made, including blood and lives, could be wasted,” he said.
Maulana Ataur Rahman added that the Chief Adviser’s announcement did not take their concerns into account. “There was no reason to put the July Charter, earned through so much sacrifice, at risk just to save money. It appears the government acted to appease a single party, which is undesirable. If the referendum were held separately, it would carry greater significance,” he said.
He further stated that the party would respond to the government’s call and review the matter in the broader interest. “We will discuss the issue in detail within our central committee and consult with the eight parties actively involved in the movement.The coordination committee of these eight parties has a meeting today. After these discussions, we will announce our final position,” he added.
The briefing was attended by Islami Andolan Bangladesh Secretary General Hafiz Maulana Yunus Ahmad, Assistant Secretary General Maulana Ahmad Abdul Kaiyum, and other central leaders.
