BNP senior leaders on Friday reiterated that only a free, fair and credible national election can resolve the country’s long-standing political and institutional crises, stressing that neither a referendum nor any forced proposals can substitute for an elected government.

Speaking at programmes in Dhaka, Chattogram, Lakshmipur and Mymensingh, they reaffirmed the party’s commitment to implementing the July National Charter “as signed.”

The BNP leaders, including Salahuddin Ahmed, Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury, Shahiduddin Chowdhury Anee and Syed Emran Saleh Prince, urged the country’s people to support the party’s electoral symbol- Sheaf of Paddy- in the upcoming general election, pledging to ensure parliamentary sovereignty and safeguard women's rights.

Referendum cannot change Constitution without parliament: Salahuddin

BNP Standing Committee Member Salahuddin Ahmed said the referendum will neither guarantee the enactment of laws nor bring any amendment to the Constitution without the formation of the parliament.

He also warned that the government should refrain from imposing any proposals in the future that could threaten parliamentary sovereignty.

While addressing a programme titled ‘Growing Violence and Disrespect Against Women: A Conscious Women’s Society Ready to Resist’ organised by the Women and Children’s Rights Forum at the Shahbagh intersection in the capital, the BNP leader also hailed the government for its stance to hold the national election and the referendum on the same day.

Reiterating BNP’s commitment to implementing the July National Charter, he said the countrymen will take a decision if any additional issues are imposed forcibly beyond the agreed framework.

Salahuddin also criticised Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami, accusing the party of using women’s issues for political gain by calling for reduced working hours for female workers- a move he claimed will shrink employment opportunities.

The female workers will work based on their skills and experiences, he said, arguing that the employers will not want to hire them if the working hours are reduced.

Elected govt a must for resolving deep-rooted national crises: Khasru

Speaking at a programme in Chattogram, BNP Standing Committee Member Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury said the country’s deep-rooted problems cannot be addressed without an elected government. “We believe these problems can be addressed only if the state power is transferred to elected representatives through a free, fair and credible election, and that is our sole demand,” he said.

About the possible unrest centring on the announcement of the verdict against deposed Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Monday for her crimes against humanity, he said the government and its law enforcement agencies are held responsible for taking appropriate measures to keep the situation under control.   

“It is not the duty of the leaders and activists of any political party to take to the streets on the day,” the BNP leader said, calling upon the countrymen to change their mindset, shunning the path of such unlawful acts.

Remain vigilant until elected govt assumes power: Anee

While campaigning in his Lakshmipur constituency, BNP Joint Secretary General Shahiduddin Chowdhury Anee asked his party’s leaders and activists to remain alert until an elected government takes charge of the state.

Claiming that BNP does not believe in the autocratic, terrorist and authoritarian mentality and will never do so, he said their party’s acting Chairman Tarique Rahman has united the nation and led a movement in an organised way that forced Hasina to flee the country.

Prince blasts Jamaat for not hailing CA’s announcement on JS polls, referendum

BNP Joint Secretary General Syed Emran Saleh Prince, while speaking at a programme in Haluaghat of Mymensingh, said the chief adviser’s announcement to hold the general election and referendum on the same day has removed the uncertainty about the polls.

He also blasted Jamaat for not accepting the government’s decision.

Underscoring the need for a responsible role from all political parties, Prince said the countrymen are eagerly waiting for a free, fair and credible national election, as a mass wave has already been created in support of BNP ahead of the upcoming election.