Jamaat-e-Islami Nayeb-e-Ameer Syed Abdullah Muhammad Taher has stated that the party believes a referendum on the “July Charter” should be held before the national polls, specifically by November.
He made the comment while speaking to reporters during a break in the political party dialogues with the National Consensus Commission (NCC).
Taher warned that holding both a referendum and national election on the same day could lead to complications and uncertainty.
“We all agree now that the July Charter will be accepted through a referendum. Some have suggested holding the referendum and the national election together, but we have said no. The referendum is a separate issue, and the national election is a different matter,” Taher said.
Highlighting the negative aspects of holding both elections on the same day, Taher said, “There is an advantage to having both the referendum and elections together, but there are many more disadvantages. Issues related to the ‘Upper House’ will be part of the next election.
“If they are held on the same day, the people may be undecided about whether to accept or reject them.”
He also cautioned, “If the election raises questions, then the legitimacy of referendum will also be questioned.”
Drawing from the recent student union elections at Dhaka University and Jahangirnagar University, he said, “At Dhaka University, we could not sleep due to the tension until 4am. In the Jahangirnagar election, the result was announced 48 hours later.
“So, having two elections could create such a scenario for us.”
When asked about the Election Commission’s financial capability, Taher responded, “We must make all preparations for the national elections. I don’t think it will be a huge cost; rather, it will bring stability to the nation.”
Regarding the different stance taken by BNP, Taher pointed out, “Essentially, one party, BNP, has somewhat expressed a note of dissent. They say reform is needed, but then they officially express dissent. To clarify for the nation, they need to state whether they agree or disagree.”
He explained that a note of dissent is not part of a decision, but rather a record of personal opinion.
“A note of dissent is not a part of the decision – you must make sure of that. If the consensus committee had a note of dissent, we would have brought it to the referendum for the people to decide… but a party’s note of dissent cannot be a subject for the nation’s vote mandate,” he said.
As an example, he cited, “In the High Court, if a bench of three judges gives a ruling, that ruling stands, while one may give a note of dissent, which will be recorded in history. Thus, a note of dissent is not a decision.”
Taher clarified Jamaat-e-Islami’s position saying, “Jamaat’s stance is clear – there will be a national election in February, and a referendum on the July Charter will take place within November.
“The country will go to the most participatory, joyful, and celebratory election in its 54-year history, with stability, firmness, and inclusivity.”
