Salahuddin says referendum cannot replace parliament, rejects any move seen as ‘imposed’
'The way the July Charter was drafted, formulated and signed, we are committed to implementing that Charter word for word,' says BNP leader Salahuddin Ahmed.
BNP leader Salahuddin Ahmed has said a referendum cannot replace parliament's role in enacting laws or amending the constitution, warning that the party will not accept any proposal that appears to be imposed or undermines parliamentary sovereignty.
Speaking at an event organised to address rising violence and disrespect against women at Shahbagh in the capital today (14 November), Salahuddin said laws cannot be enacted through a referendum, nor can the constitution be amended through it.
The way the July Charter was drafted, formulated and signed, we are committed to implementing that charter word for word
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A national parliament must be in place for that, the BNP Standing Committee member said, adding that is why the party has welcomed the chief adviser's reiteration that a general election will be held in the first half of February.
Salahuddin said the BNP is pledged to upholding the signed July National Charter.
"The way the July Charter was drafted, formulated and signed, we are committed to implementing that charter word for word. If any additional, imposed or coercive proposal is brought forward, it is the people who will judge it."
He said the party welcomes the proposal to hold the national election and the referendum on the same day, as it is cost-effective, time-saving and convenient.
It will also allow a greater number of voters to participate and express their opinion, the senior BNP leader added.
"We certainly want the national parliamentary election to take place in the first half of February. The nation wants this. We want to exercise our right to vote. People across the country are eagerly waiting to exercise that right freely and without hindrance," Salahuddin said.
Salahuddin added that the BNP will not accept any coercive proposal that undermines the sovereignty of parliament.
"This is the only sovereign House of Bangladesh. It represents the people. Any discussion or proceeding of this House cannot be challenged in court. Therefore, there can be no dictated or imposed proposals that interfere with the sovereignty of parliament; we reiterate this."
The upcoming national election and a referendum on proposals in the July Charter will be held simultaneously on the same day in the first half of February, Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus said in a national address yesterday.
His announcement came amid heightened political tension over the July Charter's implementation and the referendum's date.
