People's expectations not met by decision to hold polls, referendum same day: Porwar
Previously declared programmes of the eight-party alliance will continue as planned, he says
The decision to hold the next national election and the referendum on proposals from the July National Charter on the same day has failed to meet public expectations, Jamaat-e-Islami Secretary General Mia Golam Porwar said today (13 November).
In his immediate reaction to Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus's speech, Porwar said, "By announcing that the polls and referendum will be held on the same day, the government has plunged the country into further crisis."
The Jamaat leader made the remarks while speaking at a press conference held at the party's central office in the capital.
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"In every national election in Bangladesh's history, voting in some centres has been suspended or marred by violence. If a referendum is held on the same day, the closure of any polling centre would affect both the election and the referendum," he said.
The Jamaat leader further said that a fair and participatory election can only be ensured by first establishing the legal basis of the July Charter and holding a referendum before the national polls.
Earlier in the day, during a national address, the chief adviser said the 13th national election and a referendum on the July Charter proposals will be held simultaneously in the first half of February next year.
He also announced that the Advisory Council of the interim government has approved the July National Charter (Reform of Constitution) Implementation Order 2025.
Declared programmes to be continued
Golam Porwar said that the previously declared programmes of the eight-party alliance will continue as planned.
He added that the top leaders of the eight-party alliance will meet on 16 November and will issue a joint statement and announce their next course of action.
Jamaat-e-Islami and its seven like-minded parties are currently reviewing the chief adviser's address within their respective forums, he said, adding that his party's central executive committee will also hold a meeting this evening to discuss the matter in detail, after which Jamaat will announce its official response and next programmes.
