Jamaat-e-Islami’s Deputy Amir, Syed Abdullah Mohammad Taher, has stated that holding a referendum does not incur significant additional costs and that it can be conducted using the existing resources of the national election. He added that if the referendum is held on the same day as the national election, the issue of reforms would be overshadowed, and both the referendum and the election would be decided simultaneously.
Taher proposed holding the referendum in November and suggested that it could be done experimentally to ensure a conducive environment before the national election.
He made these remarks on Monday (October 13) after meeting with the Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) A M M Nasir Uddin at the Election Commission office in Agargaon, Dhaka.
Abdullah Mohammad Taher explained that there are two opinions regarding the referendum. One view advocates for a separate referendum, while another believes it can be held alongside the national election. He added that if the PR (proportional representation) system is used, incidents like the takeover of polling centers would not occur.
Taher also mentioned discussions with the Election Commission about updating voter lists and allowing expatriates to vote using their birth certificates.
He further noted that holding a referendum and the national election simultaneously could cause problems, as they are distinct processes and having two different ballots and voting methods on the same day would be illogical. However, if the government decides to hold the referendum, the Election Commission is prepared and capable of managing it.
