Salahuddin slams govt over 7-day referendum ultimatum

“The government must remember it is not an elected one. Its mandate extends only to holding a free and fair election — and BNP’s support will continue only up to that point,” Salahuddin said while speaking at a programme organised by Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal in the capital.

Criticising the government for using other political parties as intermediaries to invite BNP to dialogue, he said, “This is not a decent approach. If you truly want talks, invite us directly — don’t hide behind other parties.”

Salahuddin claimed BNP maintains active communication with all political forces, including the National Citizen Party (NCP) and Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami.

Recalling that he was the first to propose the idea of a referendum, Salahuddin said making it a divisive issue was unacceptable. “The referendum must be held on the same day as the national election. Holding it separately would be costly and impractical,” he added.

He also criticised recent ultimatums issued by Islamist parties over the referendum issue. “Whom are you warning? The government is already working in your favour. So who are these ultimatums really for?” he asked.

Commenting on the chief adviser’s endorsement of the Consensus Commission’s recommendations, Salahuddin alleged a “clear conflict of interest,” claiming the commission’s report “fails to reflect months of discussion.” He added that the commission’s tenure had expired and its members had already returned to the United States.

On the upcoming 13th national election, Salahuddin said the schedule was likely to be announced in early December, allowing about two months for campaigning.

“Within that time, all propaganda by fascists and their allies will collapse,” he said, urging Chhatra Dal activists to intensify their efforts in support of BNP candidates.

He also encouraged student leaders to build intellectual depth through reading, saying, “The politics of the future will be based on merit — the era of empty rhetoric is over.”