Published: 01:22 AM, 23 November 2025 Last Update: 01:25 AM, 23 November 2025
Jamaat Ameer's heated warning on referendum and elections on same day
Jamaat-E-Islami Ameer Dr. Shafiqur Rahman has warned that holding a referendum on the day of the national elections could lead to "genocide".
Dr. Shafiqur Rahman made the remark while speaking at the Parade Ground in Chattogram on Saturday afternoon (22 November 2025).
"We do not see it positively. We have said it before that a referendum on election day can lead to genocide during the polls," Dr. Shafiqur Rahman said.
Election Commission (EC) Secretary Akhtar Ahmed said yesterday that the government sent a letter to EC to hold the election and the referendum on the same day. On 13 November 2025 Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus, in a televised speech to the nation, announced the referendum would be held on the same day as the general elections.
The National Consensus Commission had recommended the election and referendum on the same or separate days. Parties had debated and failed to reach a consensus. Some Islamist parties, including Jamaat, wanted a referendum ahead of the elections.
Jamaat Ameer said his party would continue to press for proportional representation (PR) system as well.
"The demand will be implemented in people's interest. We will implement it if voted to power," said Dr. Shafiqur Rahman. He called upon all to work for creating a level playing field for the next elections. "The election must be held. If it does not take place, the country will be in crisis. We won't allow it," Dr. Shafiqur Rahman said.
The Jamaat Ameer had arrived at the Parade Ground, Chittagong by helicopter to attend a rally.
>>Bashir Al Mamun, AA
