Dhaka, Nov 14 (V7N) – The eight-party like-minded alliance, led by Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami, has thanked Chief Adviser Dr Muhammad Yunus for issuing the long-awaited July Charter but strongly condemned the government’s decision to hold the national election and referendum simultaneously. The coalition urged the caretaker authority to withdraw what they described as a “misguided and confusing” decision.

Addressing a press briefing on Thursday night following an emergency meeting at Jamaat-e-Islami’s central office in Moghbazar, Jamaat Nayeb-e-Ameer Dr Syed Abdullah Muhammad Taher said that issuing the July Charter was “correct and necessary,” and that it should have been issued much earlier. However, he argued that linking the referendum with the national election creates “unwanted confusion” at a critical moment for the nation.

Dr Taher stated that despite expectations, the Chief Adviser’s recent national address failed to resolve the political deadlock surrounding electoral reforms and public demands. According to him, while certain aspects of the speech may be considered, the overall package offers no clear path to national relief or political stability.

He explained that the July Charter was drafted based on the recommendations of the Reform Commission and was signed with consensus by all major political stakeholders, including the BNP. However, subsequent contradictory statements from BNP leaders contributed to confusion regarding the reform process. The alliance maintains that a referendum must be held first to determine which reform proposals—such as the introduction of proportional representation—have public approval. Only then, they argue, should the national election be organized under a reformed structure or under the previous system if voters reject the changes.

Criticizing the government’s justification for combining the election and referendum, Dr Taher said that citing cost-saving as a primary motive is “a weak excuse,” arguing that national necessity must supersede budgetary concerns.

The coalition further announced that detailed positions on the Chief Adviser’s speech, along with explanations for their demand to withdraw the joint-election plan, will be presented at a press conference on Friday at 10:30 a.m. at the Al-Falah Auditorium. They also confirmed that their previously reinstated Dhaka programme will proceed as planned. Meanwhile, nationwide demonstrations will continue on Friday in support of their five-point demand.

Senior leaders from Jamaat-e-Islami, Islami Andolon, Khelafat Majlis, Bangladesh Khelafat Majlis, Khelafat Andolon, JAGPA, Nezame Islam Party, and the Development Party were present during the meeting and the briefing.

END/AJ/SMA/