Amir Khosru urges political parties not to take to streets over referendum demand

BNP Standing Committee member Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury has said that the interim government was formed under the existing Constitution, which does not allow for a referendum.

He said political parties should focus on winning the next general election and, once in Parliament, amend the Constitution to include a provision for a referendum if they wish to hold one.

“The interim government has been formed under the current Constitution, and its members have taken oath under it. There is no mention of a referendum in this Constitution,” Khosru said while speaking at a dialogue titled ‘People’s Manifesto’ at Hotel InterContinental in Dhaka on Saturday.

He urged political parties not to take to the streets over the issue, warning that such actions could lead to political unrest, according to local media reports.

“You cannot go to the streets over every demand. If one party goes to the streets and another launches a counter programme, it will inevitably lead to clashes,” he said.

Criticising what he described as an “authoritarian mindset” in the country’s politics, the BNP leader said, “Many of the points in our 31-point reform proposal were not included in the consensus, but that does not mean I’ll go to the streets. I’ll go to the people instead.”

He emphasised the need for respecting political consensus and said, “There is no scope to go beyond the consensus — that chapter is closed. Don’t impose your ideas on the people. Come to power first, and then make changes.”

Referring to a recent murder in Chattogram, he said the incident appeared to stem from internal conflicts within a student organisation, adding that there was suspicion whether those opposing the election schedule were involved.

Khosru also said that during BNP’s tenure, the economy remained strong and the stock market stable, adding that the party prioritised private sector growth and aimed to ensure primary healthcare for all citizens.