In a powerful address to the media, GM Quader, Chairman of the Jatiya Party (JP), has called upon the citizens of Bangladesh to deliver a resounding “No” vote in the upcoming constitutional referendum. Speaking on Tuesday afternoon during a press conference to unveil the party’s final candidate list for the 13th National Parliamentary Election, Quader described the proposed plebiscite as an “unrealistic” and “constitutionally invalid” manoeuvre that threatens to destabilise the nation.
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A Constitutional Paradox
The referendum, scheduled for 12 February 2026, coincides with the general election and seeks public approval for the “July Charter”—a sweeping reform package proposed by the interim government.1 However, Quader argued that the interim administration, which took an oath to protect the current Constitution, is overstepping its mandate.
“There is no constitutional provision for amending our supreme law through a simple binary ‘Yes/No’ vote,” Quader asserted. He maintained that such fundamental changes should only be debated and ratified by a sovereign, elected Parliament. He further questioned the logic of asking the general public, particularly in rural areas, to decide on complex legislative nuances that even legal experts find daunting.
Jatiya Party: Election Participation & Legal Status
| Category | Status / Count | Strategic Note |
| Valid Candidates | 196 | Formally cleared for the 300-seat race. |
| Referendum Stance | Opposed (‘No’ Vote) | Cites lack of constitutional basis. |
| Imprisoned Nominees | 3 Candidates | Contesting while facing ongoing litigation. |
| Key Allegation | Political Intimidation | Threats of arrest for party activists. |
| Election Date | 12 February 2026 | Concurrent with the referendum. |
Allegations of State-Led Intimidation
The press conference served as a platform for Quader to voice grave concerns regarding the safety of his party’s candidates. He alleged that activists are being systematically harassed, with many being told by local law enforcement that they risk arrest if they engage in public campaigning.
“Our candidates are terrified to enter the field,” Quader revealed. “Even voters are being threatened with false cases if they show support for the Jatiya Party. How can we have a fair election when the state machinery is being used as a tool for political exclusion?”
The Fight for a Level Playing Field
Accompanied by Jatiya Party Secretary General Barrister Shamim Haider Patwary, Quader directly appealed to the Chief Election Commissioner. He demanded an immediate end to the cycle of “revolving door” arrests, where candidates are re-arrested on new charges immediately after securing bail.
With 196 candidates cleared for the upcoming polls, the Jatiya Party remains a significant contender, yet Quader’s warnings suggest that the path to the ballot box is fraught with legal and physical obstacles. He concluded by warning that if the “unconstitutional” referendum proceeds alongside a compromised election, the legitimacy of the next government will remain in question.