Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr Shafiqur Rahman has said a referendum must be held before the upcoming 13th National Parliament Election to ensure its legitimacy and the legal basis of the July Charter.

He made the remarks while responding to questions from journalists at Sylhet Osmani International Airport on Wednesday morning.

Dr Shafiqur warned that if the next election is not held in February, it could lead to various forms of unrest. He urged the authorities to arrange a referendum first to establish the election’s validity and the legal foundation of the July Charter.

Commenting on the Awami League’s position, the Jamaat chief said, “Awami League itself didn’t want to take part in the election. How can you force them into it? They had three chances to hold elections, yet they let them slip away. They couldn’t prove they believe in elections. Now, if you impose something they don’t want, that will be an injustice to them.”

Notably, Dr Shafiqur Rahman, recently elected as Jamaat’s Ameer for a third term, is on a two-day visit to his home district Sylhet. Party leaders and activists gathered in large numbers at the airport to welcome him.