BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Advocate Ruhul Kabir Rizvi has said that there is still no legal framework for holding a referendum in the country. Although holding a referendum alongside the national election is not an issue, taking such initiatives without proper legal basis may create complications in the future, he commented.
A report stating that the family of elderly Gani Mia from the Small Beghai area of Patuakhali had been starving for seven days came to the attention of BNP’s Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman. Following this, on Sunday (16 November), Rizvi went to Small Beghai on behalf of the BNP family with aid.
He provided financial assistance to the helpless elderly couple, Abdul Gani Jomaddar and Momtaz Begum, who have been living in distress at a shelter centre in Small Beghai Union under Patuakhali Sadar Upazila.
Later, addressing a brief gathering at the Beghai Hat School ground in South Bara Beghai village, Rizvi said that although the interim government intends to hold a free, fair and neutral election, confusion is being spread regarding the PR system and the referendum. Experts have made it clear that there is no existing legal structure for a referendum in the country. He said they are observing the current caretaker government period closely.
He further stated that the government must play a role in safeguarding national independence and sovereignty. Discussions regarding handing over Chattogram Port to foreign operators, or gradually allowing foreign control over the country’s river ports and seaports, could pose security risks. Dr Yunus must take these issues into serious consideration.
Rizvi claimed that discussions about the electricity agreement with India’s Adani Group and about handing over Chattogram Port to foreign operators could question the country’s sovereignty. Any agreement must prioritise independence and sovereignty.
He added that during the previous government, the public was not aware of the terms of some major agreements. If national ports and seaports gradually fall under foreign authority, it may pose significant security threats. The Dr Yunus government must take these matters into account.
Expressing confidence in the Dr Yunus government, Rizvi said that they still trust this government, and weakening that trust is not the responsibility of the interim administration.
Among those present were Amra BNP Paribar Convener Atikur Rahman Rummon, Member Secretary Mokshudul Momen Mithun, Patuakhali District BNP President Snehangshu Sarkar Kutty, General Secretary Mojibur Rahman Toton and leaders of various BNP front and affiliated organisations.
SS