BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi expressed concerns on Tuesday that there may be a “master plan” behind Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami’s call for a November referendum on the July Charter, suggesting it could be a tactic to delay the upcoming national election.
“Jamaat now demands that the referendum on the July Charter be held in November. However, most political parties have already agreed that the referendum should take place on the same day as the parliamentary election. This approach would save time and costs,” he said, reports UNB.
Speaking at a discussion at the Jatiya Press Club, Rizvi warned that holding the referendum in November would disrupt preparations for the national election. “It will create chaos. Which process will be completed first? When? There simply isn’t enough time. If the referendum is held in November, the national election will need to follow right after Eid-ul-Azha. Do you have some other hidden agenda behind this November referendum call?” he added.
Rizvi emphasised that after extensive discussions and debates, all political parties had reached a consensus on the July Charter. “Now, by introducing a new condition, why are you trying to sow disorder and confusion in the public’s mind? This question is on everyone’s mind,” he said.
Rizvi also condemned Jamaat-e-Islami for misleading people in the name of religion. “Jamaat is behaving like medieval priests who sold tickets to heaven. Telling people that voting for them will lead to heaven is pure deception.”
He accused Jamaat of using online groups to spread false information and religious propaganda through digital platforms. “They are exploiting people’s religious beliefs through technology to confuse them. Islam does not permit such manipulation. Religion is a matter of faith, not a political tool,” Rizvi stated.
He further argued that such actions harm both democracy and the country’s religious values. “Bangladesh is a Muslim-majority country where people deeply respect Islam. Using faith to gain votes or divide people is unacceptable.”
Rizvi also claimed that Jamaat has a history of aligning with the ruling Awami League when it benefits them. “They always find ways to stay close to the Awami League. Even now, they are trying to benefit from the Awami League’s vote base using tricks and tactics. Their record shows no real commitment to democracy,” he said.
The BNP Senior Joint Secretary General called on all pro-democracy political parties to remain vigilant and united to ensure a free, fair, and credible election under the interim government.
