Jamaat-e-Islami has called upon the government to issue the order for a referendum to implement the July National Charter by Friday.
The party reiterated its demand that the referendum be held by November.
Jamaat’s Nayeb-e-Ameer Syed Abdullah Mohammad Taher made this call at an emergency press conference held at the Al-Falah auditorium in Mogbazar, Dhaka, on Thursday around 3:30pm.
He said, “Whether due to pressure or any other reason, if the government delays issuing the referendum order, it will be responsible for the consequences. The government must not, under any circumstances or due to anyone’s pressure, hold the election and a referendum on the same day.”
He also strongly criticised the BNP regarding the issue of reforms, saying, “The BNP did not want reforms. At one stage, under public pressure, the party participated in the meetings of the National Consensus Commission. But now the BNP is unwilling to accept anything.”
Taher went on to add that, overall, he believes the Commission’s recommendations to be positive.
He stated that if the government fails to implement the July Charter, it could impact the national election.
“Professor Yunus and the government would have to bear the responsibility for this. The people of the country are hopeful for reforms. If this hope is not fulfilled, people will be upset with the government.”
