National Consensus Commission member and Secretary of Citizens for Good Governance (SUJAN), Dr. Badiul Alam Majumdar, has said that even without political consensus, there remains an opportunity to hold a referendum in Bangladesh. However, the final decision, he emphasized, should rest with the government in consultation with the Election Commission (EC).
He made these remarks on Saturday morning at a shadow parliament session titled “Only a Free and Fair Election Can Safeguard Democracy”, organized by Debate for Democracy at the Bangladesh Film Development Corporation (BFDC) auditorium in Tejgaon, Dhaka.
Dr. Majumdar said, “We hope the political parties will sign the July Charter. The National Consensus Commission will recommend whether the referendum and the national election should be held on the same day. However, the government will make the final decision through discussions with the Election Commission.”
He further stated, “We must mobilize all our strength to ensure that the referendum gains public approval. The Sheikh Hasina government left behind an authoritarian structure, which needs to be reformed through the July Charter.”
Warning against inaction, Dr. Majumdar added, “If the next government fails to implement the July Charter after signing it, it will face the same consequences as the Sheikh Hasina government. A mere change of power must not become a change of corrupt actors. Alongside free and fair elections, the elected government must establish the rule of law and ensure political rights to protect democracy.”
Reiterating the need for a nonpartisan caretaker administration, he said, “We must root out criminalization from elections and politics. The Election Commission must be made truly independent and effective. Establishing an interim caretaker government during the election period is also essential.”
Presiding over the event, Debate for Democracy Chairman Hasan Ahmed Chowdhury Kiron said, “Overcoming uncertainty, the next national election is expected to take place in February. The July Charter has moved from being a silver line to a golden line of political consensus. All pro-democracy parties are now hoping for a free, fair, and acceptable election, while citizens are eager to cast their votes for their preferred candidates.”
He added, “The July Charter is scheduled to be signed on October 15 under the leadership of Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus. However, if political rivalries obstruct this process, the country’s democratic journey will face grave risks. The justice sought for the martyrs of the July revolution and the democratic gains achieved after the fall of fascist rule could be undermined.”
Earlier in the event, debaters from Tejgaon College and Primeasia University participated in the shadow parliament session. The judges’ panel included Professor Abu Muhammad Rois, Dr. Tajul Islam Chowdhury Tuhin, senior journalist Mainul Alam, journalist Md. Humayun Kabir, and journalist Zakir Hossain Liton.
At the end of the competition, participating teams received trophies, crests, and certificates.
