Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Secretary General, Mia Golam Porwar, has accused the sitting government of pushing the nation toward a severe political and constitutional deadlock.
Speaking at a seminar in Khulna on Saturday, Porwar alleged that the administration is intentionally ignoring a direct public mandate expressed through a national referendum.
Addressing the event titled "Government against Referendum Verdict: A Country Facing Crisis," Porwar argued that ministers are using the "July Charter" as a smokescreen to bypass the will of the people.
He claimed that while the government has pledged to uphold the Charter in Parliament, its refusal to acknowledge the referendum results represents a direct assault on public sovereignty.
"This is more than just a political tactic; it is a stance taken against the mandate of the citizens," Porwar told the audience at the Khulna Press Club. He asserted that the government is creating public confusion by attempting to decouple the July Charter from the referendum outcomes.
A major point of contention raised by the Jamaat leader involves the 84 proposed constitutional reforms. Porwar noted that while there is consensus on many legal changes, the BNP has issued a note of dissent on 10 critical points. He argued that by accepting these objections, the government is effectively hollowing out the reform process to maintain its grip on power.
Among the disputed points highlighted by Porwar are proposals to prevent the Prime Minister from simultaneously holding a party leadership role, the introduction of a proportional representation system in the upper house, and the creation of independent commissions for judicial appointments.
He also cited opposition to reducing the Prime Minister’s influence over the Anti-Corruption Commission and the Public Service Commission.
"If these ten points are discarded, the entire reform effort becomes hollow," Porwar stated. He reminded the government that under Article 7 of the Constitution, the will of the people remains the supreme law of the land, asserting that a direct referendum by five crore citizens carries more weight than the delegated power of Parliament.
Characterizing the government’s current trajectory as "authoritarian and fascistic," the Jamaat leader warned that ignoring the majority's verdict in favor of parliamentary dominance could lead to renewed instability and violence.
He concluded with a warning that if the referendum results are not ratified in the House, his party would have no choice but to launch a street movement.
"Time is running out," he warned. "If we are to avoid a national crisis, the mandate of the people must be respected. If not, the responsibility for the fallout will rest solely with the government."
