BNP Standing Committee member Salahuddin Ahmed on Saturday criticized the interim government for setting a seven-day deadline to achieve political consensus on the referendum issue, calling such assertiveness “unsuitable” for a non-elected administration.

“The government must remember it is not an elected one. Its mandate extends only to holding a free and fair election, and BNP’s support will continue only up to that point,” Salahuddin said at a programme organized by Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal in Dhaka.

He also condemned the government’s practice of invoking other parties’ names to request talks with BNP, saying, “This is not a decent approach. Invite us directly if you truly want dialogue — don’t hide behind other parties.”

Salahuddin noted that BNP maintains active communication with all political parties, including the National Citizen Party (NCP) and Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami. Recalling that he was the first to propose a referendum, he emphasized that turning it into a divisive issue is unacceptable. “The referendum must take place on the same day as the national election. Holding it separately would be costly and impractical.”

He further criticized the recent ultimatum issued by Islamist parties regarding the referendum, questioning, “Whom are you warning? The government is already working in your favor. So, who are these ultimatums really for?”

Addressing the Consensus Commission, Salahuddin alleged a “clear conflict of interest” in the chief adviser’s endorsement of its recommendations, claiming the report “fails to reflect months of discussion” and noting that the commission’s tenure has expired, with members already returned to the United States.

On the upcoming 13th national election, Salahuddin said the schedule is expected to be announced in early December, allowing approximately two months for campaigning. “Within that time, all propaganda by fascists and their allies will collapse,” he asserted, urging Chhatra Dal activists to actively support BNP candidates in their constituencies.

He also encouraged student leaders to develop their intellectual capacity, saying, “The politics of the future will be based on merit; the era of empty rhetoric is over.”