Nation being divided in referendums and PR demands: Salahuddin

The nation is being divided by demands for referendums and PR (Proportional Representation) before holding fair and acceptable national elections, commented BNP Standing Committee member Salahuddin Ahmed on Monday.

Without naming anyone, Salahuddin said some quarters are still repeating old arguments that a constitutional order must be issued before a referendum. “We think these unnecessary complications should be avoided. The real challenge is not the election itself but the attempts by some to delay it through unnecessary legal and political debates.

The BNP leader made the remark at a discussion titled ‘Challenges and Prospects of Quality and Acceptable Elections’ organised by Nagorik Jubo Oikya at the Jatiya Press Club.

Some quarters are trying to create confusion and instability by raising new issues both on the streets and in discussions. “These are the real challenges.”

Salahuddin said a referendum on national issues can be held under the existing legal framework without amending the Constitution.

“The government can issue an ordinance to empower the Election Commission to hold the referendum on the same day as the parliamentary polls,” he added.