Dhaka: Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami has reiterated its demand for holding a referendum on the July Charter before the upcoming parliamentary election, emphasizing its necessity to resolve the current political crisis and maintain peace in the country. "We want the national election to be held in February as scheduled. But before that, by mid-November, we demand a referendum on the July Charter. The people of the country are united on this issue," Jamaat Nayeb-e-Ameer Syed Abdullah Muhammad Taher stated at a press conference at the Al-Falah Auditorium in Dhaka's Moghbazar area. According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Taher mentioned that a certain quarter is attempting to create unrest through misleading statements and urged all political parties to act responsibly. He reiterated that Jamaat seeks a peaceful resolution to the current political tension and is committed to a fair and inclusive national election. Taher dismissed as "unrealistic" the suggestion by some political parties to hold the referendum on the same day as the national election. Jamaat Secretary General and former MP Professor Mia Golam Parwar, Assistant Secretary Generals Maulana Rafiqul Islam Khan and Maulana Abdul Halim, Central Executive Council members Principal Md. Shahabuddin and Mr. Mobarak Hossain, and Dhaka South City Ameer Nurul Islam Bulbul attended the event. The programme was conducted by Advocate Matiur Rahman Akand, Jamaat's Central Media and Publicity Secretary. Dr. Taher called for national unity to overcome the current crisis, emphasizing the importance of positive dialogue. He urged BNP leaders to engage in discussions with a constructive mindset to find a political solution, stating that national unity is essential to resolve the existing crisis. Addressing concerns about the referendum's cost, Dr. Taher argued that the expense is justified by the national need to resolve the crisis and highlighted the misuse of funds by past governments. Reflecting on past governance, Dr. Taher criticized frequent changes in power over t he past 54 years, which he claimed have not improved people's lives due to corruption, nepotism, and looting by those in power. He stated that the public now desires real change, which is embodied in the spirit of the July Charter. On the topic of dissent, Dr. Taher remarked that no country has held a referendum based on a note of dissent, criticizing BNP's stance as insincere regarding reform. He also expressed support for the interim government led by Dr. Muhammad Yunus, endorsing his leadership's honesty and capability. Dr. Taher urged the interim government to act impartially and remain vigilant against conspiracies, emphasizing the importance of neutrality in performing its duties.
