Thursday, 23 October, 2025
The Jamaat-e-Islami has called on Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus to hold a referendum by late November, warning against falling into what it described as the BNP’s “traps.”
Speaking on Wednesday evening after a meeting with Yunus at the State Guest House Jamuna, the party’s deputy chief, Syed Abdullah Muhammad Taher, claimed that while the BNP had officially agreed to the idea of a referendum, it was attempting to create “obstacles.”
“They [the BNP] argue that the referendum and the general election should be held on the same day, but these are two entirely separate issues,” he said.
“The national election decides who will govern the country, while the referendum concerns a few reforms -- such as how the government will operate, ensuring fair elections, and the prime minister’s powers. It has no connection to the election.”
Taher said reforms must be approved separately through a referendum. “If the people want it, it will pass; if not, it won’t. This is the supreme power of the people.”
Addressing the BNP, he said: “Initially, they did not want a referendum, but under public pressure and sentiment, they agreed. Yet, they are creating unnecessary twists.
“We do not understand any twists or games here; the referendum must come first in a simple and straightforward manner.”
Taher said Jamaat had suggested holding the referendum at the end of November, allowing more than a month before the general election, leaving around two and a half months for preparations.
“There is no time problem here,” he added. “If we spend some funds to ensure a fair national election, that is the best approach. We want what is correct in a simple and straightforward manner.
“The nation needs a consensus-based, fair, and participatory election to stabilise the country and ensure a smooth process in February,” said Jamaat-e-Islami deputy chief Syed Abdullah Muhammad Taher.
Commenting on public administration, he claimed that around 70 percent of officials in the Election Commission, the Secretariat, and police forces “showed loyalty to one party.”
“Through them, this imbalance occurs. When we raise concerns, we are told there is ‘enormous pressure.’ But where is this pressure coming from? The same situation exists in the police, and this imbalance is evident across Bangladesh,” Taher said.
He urged authorities to level the playing field and implement “necessary” administrative reforms ahead of the elections.
Taher also alleged recent attacks by BNP supporters on party activists. “Two days ago in Kabirhat, Noakhali, a public Islami Chhatra Shibir meeting was targeted by BNP members. If such incidents continue, the election process will be threatened, and uncertainty will rise,” he said.
Addressing the Chief Adviser directly, Taher added: “We have discussed some government advisers, though not all. We have faith in you, but some people around you are misleading you and working for a particular party. We are giving them time, and the Chief Adviser an opportunity. If there is no improvement, we will consider our next course of action.”
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The Jamaat-e-Islami has called on Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus to hold a referendum by late November, warning against falling into what it described as the BNP’s “traps.”
Speaking on Wednesday evening after a meeting with Yunus at the State Guest House Jamuna, the party’s deputy chief, Syed Abdullah Muhammad Taher, claimed that while the BNP had officially agreed to the idea of a referendum, it was attempting to create “obstacles.”
“They [the BNP] argue that the referendum and the general election should be held on the same day, but these are two entirely separate issues,” he said.
“The national election decides who will govern the country, while the referendum concerns a few reforms -- such as how the government will operate, ensuring fair elections, and the prime minister’s powers. It has no connection to the election.”
Taher said reforms must be approved separately through a referendum. “If the people want it, it will pass; if not, it won’t. This is the supreme power of the people.”
Addressing the BNP, he said: “Initially, they did not want a referendum, but under public pressure and sentiment, they agreed. Yet, they are creating unnecessary twists.
“We do not understand any twists or games here; the referendum must come first in a simple and straightforward manner.”
Taher said Jamaat had suggested holding the referendum at the end of November, allowing more than a month before the general election, leaving around two and a half months for preparations.
“There is no time problem here,” he added. “If we spend some funds to ensure a fair national election, that is the best approach. We want what is correct in a simple and straightforward manner.
“The nation needs a consensus-based, fair, and participatory election to stabilise the country and ensure a smooth process in February,” said Jamaat-e-Islami deputy chief Syed Abdullah Muhammad Taher.
Commenting on public administration, he claimed that around 70 percent of officials in the Election Commission, the Secretariat, and police forces “showed loyalty to one party.”
“Through them, this imbalance occurs. When we raise concerns, we are told there is ‘enormous pressure.’ But where is this pressure coming from? The same situation exists in the police, and this imbalance is evident across Bangladesh,” Taher said.
He urged authorities to level the playing field and implement “necessary” administrative reforms ahead of the elections.
Taher also alleged recent attacks by BNP supporters on party activists. “Two days ago in Kabirhat, Noakhali, a public Islami Chhatra Shibir meeting was targeted by BNP members. If such incidents continue, the election process will be threatened, and uncertainty will rise,” he said.
Addressing the Chief Adviser directly, Taher added: “We have discussed some government advisers, though not all. We have faith in you, but some people around you are misleading you and working for a particular party. We are giving them time, and the Chief Adviser an opportunity. If there is no improvement, we will consider our next course of action.”
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