Staff Reporter :
BNP Standing Committee member Salahuddin Ahmed has said that the nation is becoming divided over the demand for a referendum and proportional representation (PR) before holding a free and fair election.
He said, “The demand for a referendum and PR before the election is dividing the nation, and facing this division is now the main electoral challenge.”
He made these remarks on Monday afternoon at a discussion titled “Challenges and Prospects of Making the Upcoming Election Acceptable” held at the National Press Club, organized by Nagorik Jubo Oikya (Citizen Youth Unity).
Speakers at the event said political divisions, delays in implementing the July Charter, and debates over organizing a referendum have become major challenges for the upcoming election.
Salahuddin Ahmed said, “Almost everyone agrees that the people’s verdict must be sought to implement the July Charter. Some are saying the referendum should be held before the election.” He added, “May Allah guide those who are trying to complicate the referendum issue. We must resist any attempt to obstruct the election.”
He further said, “People are eagerly waiting for a fair election. If anyone tries to manipulate it, the people themselves will resist. In this case, the role of law enforcement will be secondary.”
On the issue of banning political parties, Salahuddin Ahmed said, “Banning political parties through executive orders will be disastrous for the future. Such decisions should come through judicial processes.”
He added, “On August 5, the people made it clear that they have rejected fascist politics. However, for the sake of international legitimacy, this should be done through judicial procedures.”
Nagorik Oikya President Mahmudur Rahman Manna said, “There is no longer any environment to question whether the election will be held or not. The election will definitely take place.”
He said, “The only way to overcome the current situation is through elections. Sri Lanka and Nepal did not go down the reform route, which is why their situations normalized. We, however, have complicated matters by embarking on the reform path.”
Manna further said, “Out of the 86 reforms that have been settled, PR was not included. The Reform Commission did not discuss PR; instead, the idea of a referendum has been newly introduced. It is still undecided whether the election will be between two or three alliances.”
Gono Odhikar Parishad General Secretary Rashed Khan said, “Those whom Nahid Islam trusted have betrayed the nation. The advisers have no understanding of what a mass uprising means.”
AB Party Chairman Mojibur Rahman Monju said, “The election will be competitive, but there are also elements of uncertainty.”
Revolutionary Workers Party General Secretary Saiful Haque said, “If the election is not held in February, it may not be possible to hold it at all.”
Speakers at the event said that ensuring political unity is essential to make the upcoming election acceptable. Unless the disputes over implementing the July Charter, holding a referendum, and the PR system are resolved, a conducive environment for fair elections cannot be created.
According to the speakers, the people are now ready for change-but divisions in leadership remain the biggest obstacle to the election.
