How’d we hold a referendum, we need a law first: CEC

Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) AMM Nasir Uddin has said that before any discussion on holding a referendum can move forward, a dedicated referendum law must first be enacted.

He made the remarks during a dialogue with political parties at the Election Bhaban in Agargaon on Wednesday, November 19. 

When the National Citizen Party (NCP) asked about preparations for a possible referendum, the CEC responded with a counter question, pointing to the absence of a legal framework.

“We are talking about a referendum,” he said. “But how to hold a referendum or whether to hold one at all – first, I need to have the law. Without it, how can I answer these questions?”

The CEC noted that previous referendums in Bangladesh were conducted under special circumstances.

“A referendum law has been mentioned in various announcements. President Ziaur Rahman held one under martial law, Ershad held one under martial law, and Justice Shahabuddin Ahmed conducted a referendum after formulating a law,” he said. 

“Political leaders ask me many questions about this. People have raised issues throughout the morning. How do I answer everything without the law in place?”

Explaining further, he said the proposed law must specify which matters can be placed under a referendum, outline the EC’s authority, and define related procedures.

“Do you remember the 1991 referendum?” he asked. “Zia held one under martial law. Ershad did the same. Now a proper referendum law must be enacted. Once the law is passed, we will be able to work according to it.”

The CEC iterated that the Commission’s actions will depend entirely on Parliament’s legislation: “After the law is passed, we can speak clearly and act accordingly.”