Dhaka, Oct 06 (V7N) – BNP Standing Committee member Salahuddin Ahmed has suggested that the government issue an ordinance directing the Election Commission (EC) to hold a referendum alongside the upcoming parliamentary elections.

He argued that conducting both votes simultaneously would save time and prevent unnecessary spending of state resources.

Salahuddin made the remarks during a discussion titled “Challenges and Prospects for Quality and Acceptable Elections” organized by Citizen Youth Unity at the National Press Club on Monday afternoon.

“The people who have already voted in three separate ballots in local government elections are ready to cast their votes in two ballots — one for parliament and another for the referendum,” Salahuddin said. He added that he hoped “those trying to create complications on this issue will come to their senses.”

Dismissing what he described as “fascist propaganda,” Salahuddin remarked that people are indifferent to “pictures of processions at Subhe Sadiq or messages from Delhi or France.”

He further said that maintaining anti-fascist unity would prevent any electoral crisis, emphasizing that accelerating the trial of fascists is essential for ensuring participatory elections.

The BNP leader also cautioned that banning political parties through executive orders would set a dangerous precedent for the country’s future political landscape.

END/SMA/AJ