DHAKA, Nov 02, 2025 (BSS) - Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami has reiterated its demand for holding referendum on the July Charter before the upcoming parliamentary election, saying such a move is essential to resolve the current political crisis and maintain peace in the country. 

"We want the national election to be held in February as scheduled. But before that, by mid-November, we demand a referendum on the July Charter. 

The people of the country are united on this issue," Jamaat Nayeb-e-Ameer Syed Abdullah Muhammad Taher told a press conference at the Al-Falah Auditorium in Dhaka's Moghbazar area this evening. 

He said a certain quarter is trying to create unrest through misleading statements and urged all political parties to act responsibly. 

"Jamaat wants a peaceful end to the current political tension and seeks a fair and inclusive national election", he said.

He dismissed as "unrealistic" the idea of holding the referendum on the same day as the national election, as proposed by some political parties.

Jamaat Secretary General and former MP Professor Mia Golam Parwar, Assistant Secretary Generals Maulana Rafiqul Islam Khan and Maulana Abdul Halim, Central Executive Council members Principal Md. Shahabuddin and Mr. Mobarak Hossain, and Dhaka South City Ameer Nurul Islam Bulbul were present at the event. 

The programme was conducted by Advocate Matiur Rahman Akand, Jamaat's Central Media and Publicity Secretary.

Dr. Taher called for national unity to overcome the current crisis. "We believe in positive dialogue. I urge BNP leaders to come to the discussion table with a constructive mindset to find a political solution. National unity is the only way out of the existing crisis," he said.

Commenting on the cost of a referendum, Dr. Taher said, "Some claim that a referendum would cost about Tk 3,000 crore. But that is nothing compared to the national need to resolve the crisis. The money looted and laundered abroad by the fascists would be enough to hold a thousand referendums."

Dr. Taher said over the past 54 years, frequent changes in power have failed to improve people's lives. "Those who came to power resorted to corruption, nepotism, and looting. The people now want real change -- this is the spirit of the July Charter," he said. 

Commenting on note of dissent, he said, "No country in the world has ever held a referendum on a note of dissent. BNP's position only exposes their lack of sincerity about reform."

Dr. Taher also expressed support for the interim government led by Dr. Muhammad Yunus, saying, "The Yunus government came to power with the people's mandate. There is no question about his honesty, sincerity, or capability."

He urged the interim government to act impartially and remain vigilant against any conspiracies. "The government must perform its duties neutrally and avoid falling into any political trap," said Dr. Taher.