Jamaat-e-Islami Assistant Secretary General Hamidur Rahman Azad has suggested that a referendum on the July Charter could be held before the announcement of the national election schedule to provide a legal basis for its implementation.

Speaking on Sunday during a break in the National Consensus Commission meeting, he said the referendum could be conducted in November or December to avoid disrupting the national elections. “Even before the election schedule, it can be held. Once the referendum is completed, there will be no obstacles to holding elections in February,” he added.

He emphasized that the referendum would create the most acceptable legal foundation for implementing the July Charter. “It will be indisputable, and Parliament will not be able to reject it,” he said.

Azad also stated that Jamaat-e-Islami maintains no distance from BNP. “Even if the referendum result goes against us, we will accept it,” he added.

Commenting on the reform process, he said, “We have always been vocal about reforms. Everyone has agreed that a referendum is the best way to establish a legal basis for implementing the charter.”

He further noted that while the timing of the referendum—whether before or after certain steps—can be discussed, all parties agree on holding it. “The Election Commission will organise the referendum, and the government must provide directives to enable the commission to carry it out,” he added.