Liberation War Affairs Minister Hafizuddin Ahmed stated that the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) only agreed to a referendum to ensure the country’s transition to an election, despite initial reservations.
He made these remarks while addressing a meeting with the Hindu community at the Madan Mohan Temple premises in the North Bazar area of Lalmohan, Bhola, on Thursday.
‘Referendum Lacks Legal Basis’
Hafizuddin Ahmed, who is also a member of the BNP Standing Committee, claimed that referendums do not have a solid legal foundation in the current context. He alleged that the process was pushed forward by a specific “elite group” in Dhaka and imposed upon the general public.
“Constitution reform is a monumental task that should only be carried out by representatives elected through the direct vote of the people,” the Minister said. “Our country is not yet fully prepared for such a referendum-based system.”
The ‘July Charter’ Dilemma
Explaining the party’s stance, Hafizuddin Ahmed revealed that the BNP was initially hesitant about the referendum. However, the party leadership eventually realized that refusing to participate might stall the democratic process entirely.
“It became apparent that if the BNP did not agree, a conducive environment for elections would not be created, or the elections might not happen at all,” he explained. Under these circumstances, he noted, the party felt “compelled” to sign the ‘July Charter’.
