Dhaka: BNP Standing Committee Member Salahuddin Ahmed stated today that organizing a referendum concurrently with the national election would prevent any postponement in conducting the election.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Salahuddin Ahmed emphasized that conducting both the parliamentary election and a referendum on reforms at the same time would thwart any efforts to delay the election process. He pointed out that the main challenge is not the election itself but those who intend to postpone it. His comments were made during a discussion hosted by Nagorik Jubo Oikya on the theme 'Challenges and Prospects of a Quality and Acceptable Election' at the National Press Club.
Salahuddin Ahmed addressed concerns regarding voter confusion over casting two ballots, citing local government elections where voters manage three ballots. He asserted that the public is capable of participating in both the election and referendum with adequate public awareness campaigns led by the Election Commission. He urged the government to authorize the Election Commission through an ordinance to organize the referendum.
He further argued that holding both events on the same day would negate the need for another large-scale arrangement, thus preventing election delays. He called for wisdom from those complicating the matter, stating that the public is indifferent to threats from fascist groups or external influences. Salahuddin Ahmed concluded that a united anti-fascist front would ensure a crisis-free election.