BNP senior leader Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury on Thursday expressed concern that the growing push by some political parties to hold a referendum before the national election, bypassing constitutional procedures, is raising public suspicion about their true motives.
Speaking at a discussion titled “Bangladesh’s Constitution and Reform Proposals,” organized by Gonoforum at Jatiya Press Club, Khasru said it is unconstitutional to hold a referendum without amending the constitution through Parliament, the only legal avenue.
While BNP had agreed to the idea of a referendum on the day of national election as a gesture of goodwill, Khasru stressed that any vote outside the election day is neither legally, morally nor democratically justified.
“This unnecessary generosity in the name of political unity has now created complications,” he said, noting that some parties are demanding a pre-election referendum, raising questions about their motives and intentions.
Khasru warned that pushing the referendum idea through rallies and meetings undermines public trust in democracy and the electoral process.
The BNP leader also criticised the Consensus Commission, arguing it failed to achieve genuine national consensus.
“When there is no agreement on an issue, it should be closed. Yet, disputed issues are being revived under the guise of a referendum, which is misleading and undemocratic,” he said.
He questioned the commission’s legitimacy, asking who authorized it to operate for 14 months under an unelected government and make decisions affecting the nation.
Khasru accused some parties of using the referendum and proportional representation debate to delay the upcoming election, warning that street programs organized to push these agendas risk obstructing the democratic process.
He urged all political parties to respect the constitution and the people’s mandate, emphasizing that sovereignty rests with the people and that Parliament is the proper forum for national decision-making.
“The people expected a new beginning after the end of Hasina regime, but the current actions are undermining that hope from the very start,” he said, calling for adherence to constitutional procedures and democratic principles.
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