‘No’ vote in referendum would mean failure of July Uprising: Nahid Islam

The July Uprising would fail if the 'No' vote wins in the referendum, as the previous system would remain in place, National Citizen Party (NCP) Convener Nahid Islam said today (13 January).

"A political party is campaigning for the 'No' vote in the referendum, despite it being the responsibility of all political parties to campaign for the 'Yes' vote," he said while inaugurating a campaign vehicle in favour of the referendum at Banglamotor in the capital in the afternoon.

"Speaking in favour of the 'Yes' vote should have been the responsibility of all political parties. However, we are seeing that a particular party is advocating for the 'No' vote," he said.

He added that if the 'No' vote prevails in the referendum, the mass uprising would be rendered unsuccessful.

"Even if you do not vote for us, we still request you to vote 'Yes' in the referendum," he said.

Nahid also said it is unclear what message those campaigning for the 'No' vote intend to convey, adding that the force that would come to power if the 'No' vote wins would be authoritarian.

Calling on voters, he said the upcoming vote would determine Bangladesh's progress for the next 50 years and urged people to cast their votes consciously.

He further said the 11-party alliance would implement reforms after forming the government by winning the election.

Criticising the Awami League, Nahid said the party had "ruined the country" with promises such as providing rice at Tk10 and that people could no longer be deceived through cheap propaganda.

Speaking at the programme, NCP Spokesperson and Chairman of the party's Election Management Committee Asif Mahmud Sajib Bhuiyan said nationwide campaigning in favour of the referendum would begin from today and would continue until the election is held.