BNP Backs ‘Yes’ Vote in Referendum Alongside Election

The BNP will take an overall position in favour of a ‘Yes’ vote in the upcoming referendum, which is scheduled to be held alongside the 13th national parliamentary election on February 12.

Party Election Steering Committee spokesperson Mahdi Amin said on Wednesday that BNP candidates were informed of the decision during their recent visit to Dhaka. “We told our parliamentary election candidates that BNP will campaign in favour of ‘Yes’ in the referendum,” he said.

Speaking at a press briefing at the party’s election office in the Gulshan area, Mahdi said the party has already communicated its stance to all members, making it clear that BNP, as a whole, supports a ‘Yes’ vote.

Referring to the July Charter formulation process at the National Consensus Commission, he said BNP had presented a clear position while also recording certain notes of dissent, which the party continues to uphold.

Mahdi said BNP has long worked to ensure accountability and transparency in governance and has pursued fundamental reforms through its 31-point reform outline. “For these reasons, we will stand for ‘Yes’ in the referendum,” said Mahdi, who is also an adviser to the BNP Chairperson.

He added that differing opinions and notes of dissent are natural in a democratic system and that such issues can be discussed and resolved in Parliament.

Mahdi also described the referendum as an opportunity to strengthen democratic processes by prioritising the people’s will. He expressed hope that all political parties would follow democratic norms and fully comply with the election code of conduct so that public expectations are reflected in both the parliamentary election and the referendum.

According to the Election Commission’s schedule, the referendum will be held alongside the 13th national parliamentary election on February 12.