Bangladesh Islami Andolan chief Mufti Syed Muhammad Rezaul Karim expressed disappointment over the announcement of holding the national election and referendum on the same day. Speaking to reporters after a party training workshop in Chandpur, he said that in the country’s 53-year history, single-party governments formed through elections have often shown authoritarian tendencies. He added that after the 2024 mass uprising, a positive environment had emerged, but the interim government, which was not elected by popular vote, failed to prioritize fundamental reforms and visible justice. Instead, he claimed, they focused more on ensuring participation of a particular political party. Party leaders and activists, including Sheikh Md Joynal Abedin, attended the event.