Jamaat leader Parwar pushes for referendum before national election

The date of the upcoming referendum must be changed and held before the national election to ensure a fair and credible process, Jamaat Secretary General Mia Golam Parwar said on Sunday.

“The government’s order is not a divine message that cannot be changed,” he said while addressing a Rajshahi divisional rally at the historic Madrasah Ground, organised by an alliance of eight parties led by the Jamaat-e-Islami.

He alleged that the national election and referendum were scheduled for the same day due to ‘bad advice’ from within the interim government, which he said could trigger a major crisis.

The Jamaat leader warned the administration and law enforcement agencies not to engage in any plot to establish neo-fascism. “The people want a referendum before the national elections.”

Parwar claimed that the alliance of eight parties is expanding, with more political groups expressing interest in joining.

He said successive political parties since independence have been accused of extortion, corruption, and terrorism—problems that must be eradicated to build a new Bangladesh.

He said corruption would be shown a “red card,” while terrorism and repression would be eliminated.

Dissents, he said, would not be suppressed but given dignity, and Bangladesh’s youths would be developed into skilled human resources through moral, technical and production-oriented education.

Parwar hoped that this broader alliance could play a key role in achieving the vision of a new Bangladesh.

Despite the election date being announced, Parwar expressed doubt over whether the polls would be fair.

He reiterated their previously announced five demands, including a level playing field, the introduction of a proportional representation (PR) system, recognition of the July Charter, and the trial of ‘fascists’.

He also pointed to a ‘severe deterioration’ in law and order, citing the shooting and stabbing of two people in broad daylight on the Khulna court premises.

He questioned how the administration could ensure election security if it could not prevent a murder in front of a court.

The Jamaat leader urged the Chief Adviser and Home Adviser to ensure a level playing field, refrain from trying to bring any party to power secretly, and avoid any repeat of vote-rigging.