Syed Muhammad Fayzul Karim, Senior Naib-e-Amir of Islami Andolan Bangladesh, has called for a referendum if the consensus commission fails to decide on the proportional representation (PR) system. He made this statement at a public rally held on Thursday (September 18) near the north gate of Baitul Mukarram Mosque.
Sheikh-e-Chormonai Fayzul Karim said, “After such a glorious mass uprising, we never imagined we would have to fight again on the streets for demands like legalizing the July Charter, bringing killers to justice, and stopping the activities of fascist elements.”
He added, “We have been campaigning for the PR system for many years. Multiple surveys show that most people in the country want PR. Now we don’t want to agitate on the streets over PR. If BNP trusts the people, then what is their problem with PR? If they get 90% of the votes and 270 seats, they can govern alone — we have no problem with that. So why doesn’t BNP trust the people? Let the people decide by referendum. If the majority rejects PR, we will stop demanding it.”
Fayzul Karim further stated, “Our demands are clear: the constitution must be reformed, the July Charter should be legally recognized, justice must be ensured, and elections must be held using the PR system. This is the people’s demand. Why is it not being accepted? If elections are held without reform and justice, then we will conclude that the government is biased toward a particular party.”
He explained, “Concurrent movements mean different groups protesting separately but for the same demands. It is not led by any single party. Some are wrongly describing it as under a particular party’s leadership, which is incorrect. Journalists should be more careful in reporting this.”
Regarding the recruitment of music teachers in primary schools, he said, “The quality of primary education is very poor. Instead of appointing teachers in language, science, math, and ICT, music teachers are being recruited intentionally.”
The rally was attended by leaders of Islami Andolan from Dhaka Metropolitan North and South units. The program concluded with a protest march from Paltan Mor to Baitul Mukarram Mosque, ending with prayers.
Similar protest rallies will be held tomorrow in divisional cities on the same demands. Two rallies will also be held in Dhaka’s Badda and Dholai Khal areas, where Islami Andolan Amir Mufti Syed Muhammad Rezaul Karim (Chormonai Pir) will be present.
