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DHAKA, Oct 30, 2025 (BSS) – Eight political parties, including Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami, Islami Andolon Bangladesh and Khelafat Majlish, today submitted separate memorandums to Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) A M M Nasir Uddin, urging the Election Commission (EC) to hold a referendum in November to give the July National Charter a legal basis.

The parties also demanded the implementation of the amended Representation of the People Order (RPO) and ensuring a level-playing field in the upcoming election.

Delegates from the eight parties met the CEC at the EC Secretariat in the city’s Agargaon area this afternoon and handed over their memorandums separately. Senior Secretary of the EC Secretariat Akhtar Ahmed was present at the time.

After submitting the memorandums, Jamaat-e-Islami’s Assistant Secretary General Maulana Abdul Halim, Islami Andolon Bangladesh’s Secretary General Hafez Maulana Yunus Ahmad and other party representatives spoke to the media.

They said stated that eight parties have placed the demands to make the upcoming 13th National Parliament elections in February a festive and participatory one. 

They said that they believe the EC will take initiatives accordingly, adding, otherwise, the eight-party leaders will hold a meeting on November 3 to announce an effective and timely course of action.

The memorandum stated: “The people believe that without holding a referendum, the July National Charter can’t attain a legally sustainable foundation. The referendum must be completed within November, before the national election as the people’s demand.”

It further said, “We have long been urging the EC to take necessary measures in line with its declared roadmap for a free, fair, neutral and fear-free election.” 

They stated that they strongly demand holding the elections under the Proportional Representation (PR) system to ensure the proper valuation of every vote, formation of a quality parliament and creation of skilled lawmakers. 

They also called for stopping the use of black money, occupation of polling centres, use of muscle power and all other irregularities and malpractices during elections.

The memorandum also mentioned, “As per the timeline announced by the interim government, the EC is preparing to hold the next national election in February 2026. The Advisory Council has already approved the amended RPO. We have noticed that a political party has demanded changes in certain provisions of the amended RPO. We believe such a demand can’t be accepted under any circumstances.”

Earlier in the morning, the eight parties held a rally in front of the Election Commission building and beside the road near the Paka Market adjacent to the Metro Rail Station in Agargaon, demanding the referendum in November to implement the July National Charter.

The eight parties are Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami, Islami Andolon Bangladesh, Khelafat Majlish, Bangladesh Khelafat Majlish, Bangladesh Nezame Islam Party, Bangladesh Khelafat Andolon, Jatiya Ganatantrik Party (JAGPA), and Bangladesh Development Party. 

They have been carrying out a movement with a five-point demand.

At 11 am, Jamaat leaders, including Assistant Secretary General Maulana Abdul Halim, held a brief rally from a truck-mounted stage near the Metro Rail Station area, while other parties such as Islami Andolon and Khelafat Majlish also staged separate gatherings near the EC building, reiterating their call for a referendum before the parliamentary elections.