National Citizen Party Convener Nahid Islam has alleged that moves are underway to cast doubt on the people’s mandate by challenging the referendum verdict in court -- a step he says would place the judiciary in a controversial position.

“There is a move to challenge the legitimacy of the referendum by taking it to court. We will not accept that,” Nahid said while addressing an iftar event organised by the Cumilla organisational division of his party at the Station Club.

“If people’s verdict is taken to court, we too will be forced to take to the streets. We do not want to raise slogans like ‘High Court or the streets’ as we did in July (2024). Do not force us into that situation,” he said.

Calling for the swift implementation of reforms in line with the referendum results, he urged restraint in pursuing legal disputes over the outcome.

Referring to relations with India, Nahid said that progress in bilateral ties hinged on the return of Sheikh Hasina and the killers of Sharif Osman Hadi.

“Sheikh Hasina and the killers of martyr Hadi Bhai must be sent back to Bangladesh. Only then can relations with India move forward. Otherwise, there is no scope for a positive relationship,” he said.

Among the special guests at the event were NCP Member Secretary Akhter Hossen, Chief Organiser (South) Hasnat Abdullah, Chief Organiser (North) Sarjis Alam, Chief Coordinator Nasiruddin Patwary, and Spokesperson Asif Mahmud Shojib Bhuyain, along with central and divisional leaders.

Leaders from the Bangladesh Nationalist Party, Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami and other parties of the eleven-party alliance in the Cumilla division were also present at the programme.