Referendum dispute clouds February polls
Abu Jakir :
With Bangladesh preparing for its 13th national election in the first half of February, the air of anticipation has been clouded by mounting political tension and uncertainty over a proposed referendum on the July National Charter — a document intended to guide sweeping political and constitutional reforms.
The National Consensus Commission recently submitted its final report to the interim government, recommending steps for implementing the Charter.
But instead of forging consensus, the move has deepened political divisions.
Major parties remain sharply split on both the timing and the process of the referendum, reviving fears of instability at a critical pre-election moment.
The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) has rejected any attempt to hold the referendum before election day, calling such a move “unnecessary and unwise.”
Its leaders insist the referendum must be held simultaneously with the national polls, with two separate ballots — one for the election, another for the referendum.
“The interim government and the National Consensus Commission have betrayed the trust of the people,” BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir said, accusing unnamed quarters of seeking to delay the polls.
Without naming names, he warned that “those who are on the streets demanding the referendum are confusing the public,” adding, “The people of the country want an election, not another political deception.”
Political anxiety and public fear
The renewed discord comes as the interim administration, led by Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus, intensifies preparations for the February polls. Political parties have already begun fieldwork, and ordinary citizens — long deprived of meaningful voting rights — are eager to participate.
Yet, despite widespread preparations, anxiety over the electoral process continues to mount.
In a high-level coordination meeting this week, Professor Yunus himself issued an unusually stark warning.
He cautioned that “powerful forces, both domestic and international, may attempt to sabotage the upcoming election,” adding that “sudden attacks” could occur to derail the process.
“Whatever storms come, we must overcome them,” he told the gathering at his official residence, Jamuna recently.
His remarks, while intended to convey vigilance, have instead fueled fresh public apprehension. Political analysts say such statements from the country’s highest authority risk deepening mistrust.
“This election is already extremely fragile,” said Professor Mahbub Ullah, a political analyst.
“When the head of government warns of conspiracies, it inevitably heightens public fear and provides ammunition to those who seek to discredit or disrupt the polls.”
Divisions among parties
Within the political arena, reactions have been swift and sharp. Jamaat-e-Islami’s deputy chief, Dr. Syed Abdullah Mohammad Taher, blamed the BNP’s “irresponsible behavior” for creating uncertainty around the February election.
Speaking to reporters in Comilla, he accused the BNP of attempting to “revive political chaos” and “undermine public confidence.”
“If the election does not take place, those conspiring from across the border will exploit the situation,” Dr. Taher warned, hinting at what he described as “foreign manipulation.” He added that Jamaat would resist any attempt to return Bangladesh “to the era of Awami misrule.”
Even within the BNP, unease is evident. Senior leader Syed Moyazzem Hossain Alal said he was “confused” about whether the Yunus government truly intends to hold the election. “If the government really wants the polls, it should not fix the referendum before the election,” he said.
“Holding the referendum on the same day would be the wisest course.”
Government stands firm In response to growing speculation, Chief Adviser’s Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam reaffirmed that “the national election will be held before February 15, regardless of the referendum decision.”
“The Chief Adviser will make the final call on the referendum issue,” Alam said. “But no power can delay the election — it will take place as scheduled.”
Despite such assurances, distrust runs deep. Political analysts argue that the interim government must act quickly to announce an official election timeline to restore public confidence.
“At this stage, transparency is the only antidote to fear,” said political analyst. “The longer uncertainty lingers, the greater the risk of political manipulation.”
As winter approaches, Bangladesh finds itself once again at a crossroads — a nation eager for a fair vote but haunted by its history of political strife.
Whether the February election can proceed peacefully amid these widening divisions remains an open question — one that will define the country’s fragile democratic future.