BNP Senior Joint Secretary Advocate Ruhul Kabir Rizvi has asked the government where voters can register a ‘no’ if they disagree with any of the four questions in the upcoming referendum.On Saturday (November 15), Rizvi raised the question after an event in Shyamoli, Dhaka, where BNP’s Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman provided financial assistance to ailing radio artist Afroza Nizami. BNP family convener journalist Atikur Rahman Rumon and other party leaders were also present.

Rizvi said, “Even if something is done in a complicated manner, it won’t be sustainable. If 90 percent of the people do not understand the purpose of the referendum, they will remain confused.” He added that the referendum questions should be designed in a way that ordinary citizens can understand.

The BNP spokesperson also noted, “There is no ‘no’ option among the four referendum questions. If voters do not agree, there is no guidance on how they can express their opinion.”

He further stated, “Many people across the country are suffering, but the government has shown no effective initiative to alleviate their hardships. Since independence, the state has not sufficiently fulfilled its responsibilities in providing services. Political parties and the state should ensure citizens’ rights by raising issues such as the referendum and PR (proportional representation).”

Regarding the July Charter, Rizvi said, “The July Charter was not properly presented to the nation. It needed to be explained more clearly.”

He also accused the ruling party of attempting to destabilize the country with large funds from India, claiming, “They want to create a dire situation in the country. While trials of Sheikh Hasina are a matter for the courts, the public demands fair justice for the killings.”

Commenting on the overall situation in the country, Rizvi said, “The fallen autocrats are plotting from abroad. They are carrying out arson and violence in Dhaka, Gazipur, and other areas. This is the political culture of the ruling party. If the government had broken the fangs of fascism from the beginning, this situation would not have arisen.”

The Four Referendum Questions

1. Caretaker Government and Constitutional Institutions:
   During election periods, the caretaker government, Election Commission, and other constitutional institutions will be formed according to the procedures outlined in the July Charter.

2. Bicameral Parliament:
   The next parliament will have two chambers. A 100-member upper house will be formed based on parties’ proportional votes in the national elections. Amendments to the constitution will require the approval of the majority of the upper house members.

3. Implementation of 30 Proposals of the July Charter:
   The winning parties in the next elections will be obliged to implement the 30 proposals on issues such as increasing women’s representation in parliament, electing deputy speakers and parliamentary committee chairs from the opposition, limiting the Prime Minister’s term, increasing presidential powers, expanding fundamental rights, ensuring judicial independence, and local government reforms, which were unanimously agreed upon in the July Charter.

4. Other Reforms Mentioned in the July Charter:
   Other reforms outlined in the July Charter will be implemented according to the commitments of the political parties.