Campaigning for ‘no’ vote anti-people: Nahid

National Citizen Party (NCP) Convener Nahid Islam yesterday alleged that a certain political party is using various tactics to campaign for a “no” vote in the referendum scheduled for February 12.

“Those who never wanted reforms are now taking a stand for a ‘no’ vote. Those who advocate a ‘no’ vote do not want the welfare of the country,” he said while inaugurating the “NCP Caravan” in Dhaka as part of the party’s referendum campaign.

Nahid said when the referendum commission was formed, the same party questioned why the interim government was pursuing reforms, arguing that no reforms were needed even after the referendum.

Referring to the referendum, he said supporting a “no” vote would go against the will of the people. “I believe those who oppose the reforms will not be able to win the election. To succeed, they must support a ‘yes’ vote and stand for reforms,” he said.

He also alleged that the said party was promising schemes such as “Family Cards” and “Health Cards” without explaining how they would be funded. “It’ll be later seen that only party members or their relatives will receive these cards, while people will be burdened with additional taxes and VAT,” he claimed.

Nahid said the Awami League government in 2008 had “plundered the country” by promising rice at Tk 10 per kg and warned that such promises had previously harmed the nation. “This time, people are more aware. After not voting for the past 16 years, votes cannot be bought,” he said.

He added that the upcoming election is not only about forming a government but will also shape the country’s next 50 years. 

He expressed confidence that the 11-party alliance would win the election and form the government.

Addressing voters, Nahid said, “If you don’t like us, don’t vote for us -- but vote ‘yes’ in the referendum. Otherwise, only parties will change, and the fascist system will return without any reform.”

At the programme, NCP spokesperson Asif Mahmud said the main goal of the caravan is to raise public awareness. 

He claimed the AL has begun promoting a “no” vote. In response, the NCP has launched a nationwide campaign for a “yes” vote.

Nahid and Asif inaugurated the campaign outside the NCP’s Bangla Motor office at 4:00pm.