BNP Leader Condemns Unconstitutional Referendum Demands
BNP senior leader Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury has raised concerns about the growing desperation among some political parties to hold a referendum before the national election, bypassing the constitution. He believes this has led to public suspicion about their true motives.
During a discussion organized by Gonoforum titled ‘Bangladesh’s Constitution and Reform Proposals’ at the Jatiya Press Club, Chowdhury emphasized that there is no provision for a referendum in the existing constitution. He stated that any attempt to hold one must first involve amending the constitution through Parliament, where public representatives can deliberate on the matter.
Chowdhury explained that BNP had initially supported the idea of a referendum as a gesture of goodwill and compromise, aiming to promote political unity. However, he pointed out that holding another vote on the same day as the national election was not feasible. “This unnecessary generosity was neither constitutionally correct nor morally or democratically justifiable,” he said.
He argued that the current push for a referendum has created more complications, with some political parties now demanding it before the election. This has raised serious questions about the purpose of such a referendum and why there is so much urgency around it. “They want to hold it by breaking the law, bypassing the constitution, and going beyond democratic principles and spirit. So, one may wonder if there is an ill motive behind it,” he observed.
Chowdhury stressed that the constitution can only be amended through Parliament, not through any external process or political negotiation. “Those who took oath under this constitution cannot go beyond it,” he said. He also criticized the current government for taking oath under the existing constitution, emphasizing that any solution to the crisis must come within this constitutional framework.
Criticism of Political Tactics
The BNP leader condemned the way some political parties are pushing the referendum idea by holding rallies and meetings. “This raises the question – do they really trust the people? Do they truly believe in democracy and the people’s ownership of the country?” he asked.
He also highlighted the failure of the Consensus Commission to achieve genuine national consensus, as some parties issued notes of dissent on various issues. “A note of dissent means there is no agreement on that issue. When there is no consensus, the chapter should close there. But now, even the disputed issues are being brought back in the name of referendum. This is misleading and undemocratic,” he said.
Chowdhury emphasized that only the points that had full agreement could move forward for discussion or signing of the charter. He questioned the legitimacy of the commission itself, asking, “Who gave them the authority to sit for 14 months under an unelected government and decide the fate of Bangladesh?”
Concerns Over Elected Government
He pointed out that BNP and other democratic parties fought for 16-17 years, faced persecution, and made sacrifices to restore an elected government accountable to the people. “Not to create another unelected group to decide the nation’s destiny,” he said.
Chowdhury accused some political parties pushing for proportional representation and referendum of trying to delay the upcoming election. “They are making efforts to obstruct and foil the election by organizing street programmes,” he said.
He urged all political parties to respect the constitutional process and the people’s mandate. “At the end of the day, sovereignty lies with the people. Let their representatives in Parliament decide through proper discussion and debate – that is the democratic way.”