Eight political parties, including Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami, Islami Andolan Bangladesh and Khelafat Majlis, on Thursday submitted a memorandum to the Election Commission (EC) demanding a referendum by November to give legal recognition to the ‘July National Charter’ and fulfil five-point demands.
The parties brought out a procession from Agargaon Metro Station to the EC office, held a brief rally, and submitted the memorandum.
Jamaat Assistant Secretary General Maulana Abdul Halim told reporters that the referendum is essential to establish the legal basis of the July Charter.
“Some parties proposed holding the national election and referendum on the same day, but Jamaat believes they should be held separately to honour the spirit of the July uprising,” he said.
He added that the parties urged the EC to ensure a level playing field in line with the amended RPO and to avoid any alteration to the version approved by the advisory council.
The eight parties—Jamaat-e-Islami, Islami Andolan, Khelafat Majlis, Bangladesh Khelafat Majlis, JAGPA, Nezam-e-Islam Party, Development Party, and Bangladesh Khelafat Andolan—vowed to continue their movement to press for their demands, including a fair election under an interim government.
The Jamaat rally was led by Maulana Abdul Halim and Dhaka-13 candidate Mobarak Hossain, joined by central and city leaders.
