BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir has dismissed the proposal for holding a referendum before the national election as “illogical and irrational,” saying his party will only accept such a decision if it coincides with the election day.Speaking at a press conference at the BNP Chairperson’s office in Gulshan on Thursday (October 30), Fakhrul made it clear that any attempt to impose a referendum ahead of the polls would be unacceptable to the party.Addressing the issue of the National Consensus Commission’s recommendations on the implementation of the July Charter, Fakhrul alleged that several agreed-upon points had been unilaterally revised after the final draft reached the party.

He said, “If this fabricated proposal is accepted, it will divide the nation and have long-term negative consequences. This is nothing short of deception and mockery with the people.” He added that some issues were later inserted into the July Charter without consensus, and recommendations were made without noting any “notes of dissent” — a practice he termed completely unacceptable.

The BNP Secretary General further stated that the government has no authority to issue any executive order enforcing the draft implementation of the July Charter. He accused the authorities of attempting to impose the Consensus Commission’s recommendations on the nation.

“In a democracy, political parties are expected to hold different opinions — that is normal,” Fakhrul said. “BNP has not expressed any distrust in the election process itself, but only in the recommendations made by the Consensus Commission.”

Emphasizing the importance of unity at this critical juncture, he added, “Maintaining national unity is now essential.”

On Tuesday (October 28), the National Consensus Commission handed over its recommendations for implementing the July National Charter to Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus.