Jamaat-e-Islami is willing to hold discussions with BNP over referendum issue, said the party assistant secretary general AHM Hamidur Rahman Azad.

``But BNP is not interested in sitting for any such talks.``

Speaking at a programme at the InterContinental Hotel on Saturday, Hamidur Rahman said, ``We wanted to sit for discussions with the BNP secretary general. But they said they would not hold talks with us. We are ready to sit for discussions at any time. If necessary, we will encourage other political parties to join the dialogue as well.``

``The July Charter was signed, but how it will be implemented has not been agreed. When the National Consensus Commission made recommendations to the government, controversy erupted.``

Hamidur Rahman added, ``In a democracy both discussion and raising your voice on the streets are legitimate. We are not creating violence.``