Health Adviser Nurjahan Begum on Monday said that since the government itself is the proponent of the ‘yes’ vote, it is the responsibility of the administration to clearly present the referendum’s content and raise public awareness.
“Raise public awareness about the content of the referendum as people will inspire for casting vote in favour of ‘yes’,” he said.
She was speaking to journalists after a view-exchange meeting with district-level officials at Pabna Circuit House under the auspices of the district administration.
Responding to a question regarding the inclusion of “Bismillah” in the constitution, she clarified that the referendum has no connection to the issue, stating that “Bismillah has always been there, still now there, and will remain there.”
Addressing complaints from various political parties about the electoral environment, she dismissed them as baseless and reiterated the government’s commitment for holding the referendum and election in a fair, peaceful and festive atmosphere.
She also expressed optimism that the referendum would be held on time with enthusiastic participation from the public.
The adviser also inspected the government’s referendum campaign activities at Edward College in Pabna ahead of the upcoming 13th national election and referendum.
The inspection took place around 11:30am, when various awareness programmes were conducted to encourage public participation and promote voting in favour of the ‘yes’ option.
Campaign activities included displaying referendum campaign vehicles, inspecting opinion collection boxes, and writing messages on open walls across the college premises.
Officials said the initiative aims to help the general public clearly understand the content, significance and importance of the referendum.
Health Services Division Secretary Md Saidur Rahman, Pabna Deputy Commissioner Shahed Mostafa, Superintendent of Police Md Anwar Zahid, Edward College Principal Professor Lutfar Rahman, Sadar Upazila Nirbahi Officer Tamara Tasbiha, Assistant Director of Pabna General Hospital Dr Md. Rafiqul Hasan, along with senior officials from the administration and health departments, were present during the inspection.
The officials emphasised the need for a fair and acceptable referendum, effective implementation of reform programmes, and spontaneous public participation in political and social change.
