Jamaat chief warns referendum on election day could lead to ‘genocide of polls’

The government has sent a letter to the EC instructing it to hold the national polls and referendum simultaneously

Jamaat-e-Islami chief Shafiqur Rahman has warned that holding a referendum on the day of the national election could lead to “genocide of polls”.

He made the remark while speaking at the Parade Ground in Chattogram on Saturday afternoon.

“We do not see it positively. We have said it before that a referendum on election day can lead to genocide of the polls,” he said.

Earlier in the day, Election Commission Secretary Akhtar Ahmed said the government sent a letter to hold the election and the referendum on the same day.

On Nov 13, Chief Advisor Muhammad Yunus, in a televised speech to the nation, announced the referendum would be held on the same day as the national election.

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 election.

Jamaat chief said his party would continue to press for proportional representation as well.

“The demand will be implemented in people’s interest. We will implement it if voted to power,” said Shafiqur.

He urged all to work for creating a level playing field for the next election.

“The election must be held. If it does not take place, the country will be in crisis. We won’t allow it,” he said.

Shafiqur had arrived at the Parade Ground by helicopter to attend a rally.

[Correction: Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Shafiqur Rahman had said “genocide of the election”. The report had mistakenly used the phrase “genocide in the election”. This has now been corrected. We apologise for the inadvertent error]