Zainul Abedin Farroque, a member of the BNP Chairperson's Advisory Council, has publicly urged the populace to cast a "No" vote in the forthcoming national referendum on the July National Charter.
Farroque delivered this instruction today (November 14) during a union-level meeting of Jatiotabadi Mohila Dal representatives in Noakhali. His statement confirms the party's stance against the constitutional reforms proposed in the Charter, which will be presented to voters via a single "Yes/No" question.
The call comes one day after Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus announced that the referendum would be held concurrently with the February national election.
Farroque clarified the voting process for attendees, stating, "Voters will have two ballots this time — one for party symbols and another for the referendum." He added that party leaders would specifically brief voters on how to cast the "No" vote.
The BNP leader also accused the government and certain political entities of deliberately generating confusion in the political sphere, referencing various shifting demands, including discussions around the electoral system (PR), demands for the post of deputy prime minister, and the subsequent introduction of the referendum issue. Finally, he addressed internal party concerns, reassuring nominated and non-nominated leaders that no one was denied nomination due to "personal hostility."
He concluded by calling for an end to internal rallies and processions, urging strict adherence to instructions given by Tarique Rahman.
