Decision taken 'in greater interest'

Eight like-minded parties, including Jamaat-e-Islami, announced on Monday that they have accepted the government's decision to hold the referendum on election day, despite earlier demands for it to be held beforehand.

The announcement came at a press briefing following a liaison committee meeting at the central office of Khelafat Majlish in Purana Paltan, Dhaka.

Khelafat Majlish Secretary General Ahmad Abdul Kader said, "We wanted the referendum to be held before the election. However, following the government's announcement, we have accepted this in the greater interest."

He noted that while their five-point demands have not been fully implemented, some have been partially addressed.

Kader also announced a series of programmes to be held until December 31 to campaign for a "Yes" vote in the referendum.

Highlighting the "success" of recent rallies in seven divisional cities, Kader said the programmes strengthened organisational unity among activists.

He added that their top leaders will decide the next course of action once the election schedule is announced.

On seat-sharing, Jamaat Assistant Secretary General Hamidur Rahman Azad said, "In each constituency, only one candidate nominated by the eight like-minded parties will contest based on mutual understanding. No other party will field a candidate there."

He added that preparations for candidate selection would begin on Tuesday.