BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir has termed the demand, pressed by Jamaat-e-Islami and its like-minded parties, to hold a referendum before upcoming national election as a “conspiracy to derail the electoral process.”

Speaking at a rally in front of the party’s central office in Naya Paltan on Friday afternoon, Fakhrul said, “A political party has formed an alliance with several others and is now pressuring the government to hold a referendum before election. This is nothing but an attempt to foil the polls.”

The rally and subsequent procession were organised by BNP central committee to mark “National Revolution and Solidarity Day” on November 7.

Reiterating the party’s stance, Mirza Fakhrul said the referendum must be held on the same day as the general election.

“Holding two separate votes would be a huge financial burden. Those demanding a referendum before election are conspiring to sabotage the polls,” he added.

Fakhrul emphasised that the national election must take place in February. “If it does not, the people of this country will not accept it,” he warned.