Last Updated on November 8, 2025 8:20 pm by INDIAN AWAAZ
Zakir Hossain from Dhaka
With the Muhammad Yunus-led interim government’s ultimatum to political parties ending Sunday, no breakthrough has been reached over the timing of a national referendum tied to the July National Charter.
The BNP insists the referendum must coincide with the February parliamentary election, while Jamaat-e-Islami and seven Islamist allies demand it be held earlier.
“We are an election-oriented party heading toward the polls,” said BNP’s Selima Rahman, adding, “We will do whatever is needed for the welfare of the nation.”
Jamaat’s Abdul Halim confirmed informal talks with BNP are underway to bridge the gap. “We hope a formal meeting will be held soon,” he said.
Meanwhile, the Ganatantra Mancha, a six-party alliance, is mediating among opposition blocs, including the NCP and AB Party.
Chief Adviser’s Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam warned that if parties fail to agree, the interim government will act unilaterally. “Preparatory meetings are already underway,” he said, adding that the election “will be held in the first half of February.”
BNP’s Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir reiterated, “The referendum must be held on election day. No referendum will be allowed before the polls.” Jamaat, however, issued a fresh ultimatum demanding the government accept its five-point charter before its November 11 mass rally, or face “a different situation in Dhaka,” warned the party’s Secretary General Mia Golam Parwar.