Jamaat-e-Islami Secretary General Mia Golam Porwar today alleged that delays in implementing the referendum verdict are forcing the opposition to take to the streets.

Speaking at the inauguration of a weeklong leaflet distribution and outreach programme by an 11-party alliance in Shahbagh, Dhaka, Porwar said the opposition has returned to the people to ensure the implementation of their mandate.

Addressing Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, Porwar said, “You yourself called for a ‘yes’ vote in the referendum. We saw in the media that on voting day, you went to a polling centre and cast your vote in both the national election and the referendum. That means you supported the ‘yes’ vote, which endorses all reforms under the July Charter.”

He questioned, “Will you deny the outcome of the vote you cast? If not, then clearly state that you did not vote ‘yes’ on February 12. Otherwise, dare to stand before the people and deny your own vote.”

Blaming the ruling BNP for the political crisis, Porwar said, “The people know who created this crisis. It is BNP, and therefore it must also resolve it.”

Criticising the government’s position in parliament, he said, “If your ministers call the referendum a fraud, then denying the vote you yourself cast is the real fraud.”

He added, “No majority, police, Rab, or external forces could stop the July-August uprising. Do not take a stand against the people citing the majority.”

Warning the government, Porwar said, “You are walking down the same condemned path that led to fascism in the past. Turn back while there is still time.”

At the programme, Bangladesh Khelafat Majlis Secretary General Jalaluddin Ahmed said, “Before the election, the referendum was halal to the government, but after assuming power, it has become haram. People have understood BNP’s double standards.”

He added, “We will not return home until the referendum verdict is implemented in full.”