Those claiming that there is no provision for a referendum in the current constitution are effectively supporting fascism, Jamaat-e-Islami's Assistant Secretary General Hamidur Rahman Azad said today.

"The provision for a referendum existed in the constitution before the 15th amendment," he said, adding that the constitution was amended during a fascist regime, and a case regarding that amendment is now pending at the court.

"Once the final verdict comes, we will see where it stands. But if any political party now questions the provision for a referendum, it is actually taking the side of fascism," Azad told a joint press briefing at the central office of Islami Andolon Bangladesh in Dhaka's Purana Paltan this evening.

Earlier, Jamaat and like-minded parties held a meeting, demanding the declaration of an order to implement the July National Charter and holding a referendum on it, along with five other points.

Speaking at the briefing after the meeting, Azad said preparations were underway for Tuesday's eight-party rally in Dhaka.

Claiming that the first four phases of their programmes received an overwhelming response, Azad said the fifth phase was now ongoing.

"Tomorrow's programme will give the nation and the country a direction. The government will get a clear message about what our parties want. Not thousands, but hundreds of thousands will join the rally," he said.

Azad said the main stage for the rally would be set up on the southern side of Paltan intersection.

"The area stretches from Paltan to the National Press Club, Matsya Bhaban, Nightingale Mor, Dainik Bangla, Motijheel, Fakirapool, Naya Paltan, and Kakrail," he said.

Azad said the July National Charter and its implementation order are two separate matters, but the BNP is conflating them.

"For nine months, all parties worked together with the Consensus Commission, but their [BNP's] actions delayed the process. Now complications have arisen over implementing the Charter. That's why Jamaat invited the BNP for dialogue, but they refused. They said they would not respond to Jamaat's call. This is the same political culture we've seen in the past. Still, Jamaat says that if BNP invites us for talks, we will respond," he added.

Expressing hope that BNP would act positively in the national interest, Azad urged the party to rise above partisan concerns and work toward ensuring a fair election through the implementation of the July Charter.

Responding to questions over possible public inconvenience, Azad said parties always try to avoid causing public suffering. "This is part of an ongoing movement. Between 2:00pm and 4:00pm there is a relatively relaxed period -- after lunch but before office hours end. So, we can largely avoid disruption. We also plan not to prolong the rally unnecessarily. If the traffic system works properly, there will be no major congestion," he said.