TDS Desk:

BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Advocate Ruhul Kabir Rizvi has said that it will be up to the interim government to decide whether the Awami League will be allowed to continue operating as a political party or face a ban.

He made the remarks while speaking to reporters at the BNP’s central office in Nayapaltan on Tuesday afternoon.

“The question of whether the Awami League remains active or gets banned will be determined by the interim government. But those involved in criminal activities must be brought to justice,” Rizvi stated.

Commenting on the proposed national referendum, Rizvi dismissed the idea of holding it in November as “wishful thinking.” Instead, he suggested that if a referendum is to be held, it should be conducted on the same day as the national election to save both time and public money.

“The issues to be included in the referendum should be clearly outlined, and people must be informed about the reforms being proposed,” he added.

Rizvi also commented on recent student union elections, cautioning against drawing national-level conclusions from campus polls. “Winning in student union elections doesn’t guarantee victory in the national election. Assuming otherwise would be a self-defeating strategy for Jamaat-e-Islami,” he said.

He further emphasised that elections are conducted under the authority of the government, not a political party. “That’s why people have confidence that only an election under an interim government can be free, fair, and impartial,” he said.

Rizvi reiterated his position that holding the national election and a referendum on the same day would reduce logistical expenses and streamline administrative efforts.

However, he stressed that “no matter how logical the referendum proposal may seem, the government must clearly state the specific issues on which public opinion will be sought before implementation.”

Addressing BNP leaders and activists, Rizvi urged restraint in the face of provocation. “We must remain peaceful and move forward through lawful, democratic means,” he concluded.