He made this comment to journalists while entering the National Parliament Building on Thursday before voting began in the presidential election.

Nahid Islam said he had expected the presidential election to be held through implementing the verdict of the referendum, but that did not happen.

Referring to the reform of Article 70 of the constitution, Nahid Islam said that although there was a promise of reform in this regard, it was not done. If there had been an opportunity to vote independently, the presidency would have been more respected.

The NCP convener also alleged that although the BNP government talked about implementing the referendum and the July Charter, it is not doing so.

He said they took part in the presidential election as part of competitive democratic practice.

He alleged that BNP says one thing but takes a different position in practice. Nahid Islam also remarked that the party is working against the July Charter and the referendum.

He demanded implementation of the July Charter within the shortest possible time.