Shishir slams those rejecting referendum

Senior Supreme Court lawyer and central leader of Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami, Advocate Mohammad Shishir Monir, has said that nearly 70% of the population voted “yes” in the national referendum, and ignoring this verdict would amount to betraying the nation.

He described those who refuse to accept the referendum results as “hypocrites.”Shishir Monir made these remarks on Sunday while delivering the keynote speech at a discussion titled “No Ignoring the People’s Verdict: Government’s Responsibility to Implement the Referendum”, organized by Bangladesh Islami Chhatra Shibir in Bogura.

He alleged that the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), despite forming the government with 51% of the votes, is now attempting to disregard the majority opinion expressed in the referendum, which he said is unacceptable.

Shishir Monir further stated that due to a prolonged lack of proper leadership, the country has not reached its desired goals, and frequent constitutional amendments have caused difficulties for the people. He claimed that the sacrifices of young people on August 5, 2024, created new opportunities, but the government has failed to play an effective role in realizing them.Criticizing the government, he said that it is failing to work confidently and seems to be influenced by unseen forces. He warned that if the government does not meet public expectations, its outcome will not be favorable.He added that while the government should be supported in positive initiatives, ignoring the referendum results will trigger widespread resistance. Referring to protests that began at the northern gate of Baitul Mukarram in Dhaka, he said such movements could spread nationwide.Shishir Monir also cited the historical example of Ziaur Rahman’s 1977 referendum, noting that there is precedent for holding referendums on multiple issues.Addressing the Prime Minister, he urged that political issues must be resolved for sustainable development, and stated that the government cannot be praised if it fails to honor the referendum verdict.Other speakers at the event included Advocate Zobaidur Rahman Babu, Advocate Sakil Ahmed, and Advocate Al-Amin, with the program chaired by Habibullah Khondkar, president of Bogura City branch.