No polls allowed in 5-yr if referendum violates constitution: Jamaat

Speaking at a press conference following a meeting of eight religion-based political parties on Monday (November 10) at Islami Andolan Bangladesh’s central office in the capital's Purana Paltan, Dr. Azad said, “If BNP claims that a referendum is unconstitutional, then according to the same constitution, elections cannot be held before five years. Jamaat wants to know BNP’s stance on this matter.”

He noted that political developments have reached a critical stage where dialogue, electoral discussions, and street movements are all taking place simultaneously.
“Tomorrow’s rally (Tuesday) will send a strong message to the government. People’s opinions will be reflected there, and the government will realize what the nation truly wants,” Azad said, expressing optimism that public pressure could compel the authorities to accept the opposition’s five-point demand.

Addressing questions about the legality of holding a referendum, Azad argued that such a provision existed in the constitution before the fifth amendment. “The provision for a referendum was removed during the era of authoritarian rule. That amendment itself is under judicial scrutiny. Once the court delivers its final verdict, we will know its constitutional implications,” he said.

He further stated, “If anyone argues that the referendum clause does not exist, it reveals their alignment with a fascist interpretation of the constitution. I can also point out that the constitution mandates elections every five years. If the government claims that the next election will be held in 2026, is that in accordance with the constitution?”

Dr. Azad criticized what he described as the ruling regime’s “imposed misrule,” adding that those who raise such questions must decide whether the constitution is above the people or the people are above the constitution. “The constitution is meant to serve the people, not the other way around,” he asserted.

The Jamaat leader, who serves as the coordinator of the eight-party alliance, recalled that BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir himself had previously questioned the legitimacy of the constitution during what he termed a fascist period. “If he could do that then, why can’t we raise the same question now?” he asked, suggesting that debates around the constitution could lead to political complexity if not handled with sincerity.

Dr. Azad urged all parties to focus on national reform rather than constitutional disputes. “We need to move toward constructive solutions. Raising unnecessary constitutional debates only blocks the path to resolution. The real question is whether we all want an election in February and the restoration of democratic governance,” he said.

Criticizing the government’s delay in implementing the recommendations of the recently formed Consensus Commission, Azad said, “The Commission had suggested issuing an order within 24 to 48 hours. Instead, the government kept it pending for over two weeks, which was unnecessary and disappointing.”

He also lamented the BNP’s refusal to join Jamaat’s dialogue initiative. “We invited them to sit together for the sake of the country’s future, but they declined, publicly saying they would not engage with Jamaat. That’s unfortunate. In the past, political discussions often took place informally or behind closed doors, but this time, they shut the door entirely,” he said. “We have made it clear — if they call for talks, we will respond. But their silence shows they are not interested in a genuine, solution-oriented dialogue.”

Azad reiterated that the eight parties are conducting a joint movement based on shared objectives, particularly the five-point demand centered on restoring voting rights and democratic accountability. “We may not be in a formal alliance, but our programs are coordinated. The time is short, and the people’s demand for participatory elections cannot be ignored,” he emphasized.

Leaders present at the press conference included Islami Andolan Bangladesh Secretary General Maulana Yunus Ahmad, Senior Presidium Member Principal Syed Mosaddeq Billah Al Madani, Professor Ashraf Ali Akon, Khilafat Majlis Nayeb-e-Ameer Maulana Sakhawat Hossain, Joint Secretary General Professor Abdul Jalil, Bangladesh Khilafat Majlis Joint Secretary General Maulana Ataullah Amin, Bangladesh Khilafat Andolan Secretary General Maulana Yusuf Sadiq Haqqani, Joint Secretary General Maulana Touhiduzzaman, Principal Rokonuzzaman Rokon, Nezame Islam Party Vice President Maulana Abdul Majed Athari, and Jagpa General Secretary Professor Iqbal Hossain.