BNP Standing Committee member Salahuddin Ahmed on Monday alleged that calls for a separate referendum on July National Charter before the upcoming general election are part of a strategy to delay the polls.
“The national election is only a few months away. Organising a referendum beforehand would require the same level of preparation, manpower, logistics, and funds as a full general election. This will only waste valuable time and delay the democratic process,” Salahuddin said while addressing a discussion titled “Challenges and Prospects of Quality and Acceptable Elections” organised by Nagorik Jubo Oikya at the Jatiya Press Club.
He suggested that the referendum could easily be held on the same day as the national election, using same polling stations, ballot boxes, and election officials. “This is the most practical approach. It prevents unnecessary delays and avoids the misuse of national resources,” he said.
Without naming anyone, the BNP leader said certain quarters are “recycling old arguments” that a formal constitutional order is required before a referendum can be held. “We must avoid these unnecessary legal and political tangles. The real challenge isn’t conducting the election—it’s preventing those who want to stall it through endless debates and confusion,” he said.
Salahuddin argued that existing legal frameworks are sufficient to conduct a referendum without amending the Constitution. “If the government wants, it can issue an ordinance or amend the Representation of the People Order (RPO) to empower the Election Commission to hold the referendum simultaneously with the national vote,” he explained.
He said the proposal is simple: “One day, one setup, one cost.” According to him, Bangladeshi voters are already experienced in handling multiple ballots during local government elections, where they cast separate votes for different posts such as chairman, vice-chairman, and councillor.
“A referendum won’t confuse voters. The process can be straightforward — a green box for ‘Yes’, a red box for ‘No’. The question would simply ask: Do you support the commitments made in the July National Charter? That’s all,” he said.
The BNP leader added that attempts to complicate the process are politically motivated. “May Allah guide those who seek to make it complex,” he remarked.
Turning to the broader electoral environment, Salahuddin said the success of the upcoming national election depends on five key actors: the people, voters, the Election Commission, political parties, and law enforcement agencies.
He acknowledged lingering concerns about the neutrality of the police but noted that over 100,000 army personnel will assist in maintaining law and order, with training already underway.
“The most important factor is the people themselves,” he said. “They are alert this time. If anyone tries to manipulate the vote, the people will resist.”
Expressing optimism, Salahuddin concluded, “Bangladesh will soon witness a free, fair, and participatory election that ensures political stability and reflects the true will of its citizens.”
