The Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami and its seven allies have accepted the Election Commission’s decision to hold the 13th parliamentary polls and the referendum on the same day.

“We had earlier demanded that the referendum be held before the national election. But the government has announced that it will conduct the referendum on the election day, saying it is not feasible to organise it separately,” said Khelafat Majlis Secretary General Ahmad Abdul Kader.

“Considering the broader national interest, we have accepted this. Our focus now is to ensure a victory for the ‘Yes’ vote,” he said.

He came up with the statement while talking to reporters after holding a meeting of the Jamaat-led eight-party alliance at the office of the Khelafat Majlis in the capital’s Purana Paltan on Monday evening.

Addressing the media briefing, Jamaat Assistant Secretary General Hamidur Rahman Azad said the eight like-minded parties will field candidates for all 300 parliamentary seats in the national election based on an understanding.

“Our next programme will be announced after the polls schedule is declared.”

The Jamaat leader further said that, based on understanding, candidates for 300 seats under the banner of Islamic Unity will be announced. “Through the agreement, there will be one candidate from eight parties for each seat.”

Bangladesh Khelafat Majlis Secretary General Maulana Jalaluddin Ahmed said, “We have accepted the referendum and the election to be held at the same time in the greater national interest.”