Information and Broadcasting Adviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan on Tuesday urged voters to deliver a ‘Yes’ verdict in the upcoming referendum, saying the decision should be taken in the national interest, above personal or party considerations.
She made the remarks while inaugurating the “Voter’s Rickshaw” campaign of the Mass Communication Department at the Radio Colony School and College ground in Savar, marking the publicity drive for the referendum and the 13th parliamentary election scheduled for 2026.
Rizwana said citizens may personally subscribe to different political ideologies and are free to choose their preferred candidates in the national election. “You should elect leaders who are good for your area and for the country,” she said. “But in the referendum, voters must rise above narrow political interests and vote ‘Yes’.”
She said the July Charter was adopted to realise the aspirations of the July uprising, following extensive consultations with political parties. The charter, she added, seeks to ensure a balance of power and positive change, and the referendum would be held on four questions covering 12 key issues.
“The government may campaign in favour of a ‘Yes’ vote—this is also practiced in developed democracies,” Rizwana said. “We are not preventing anyone from voting ‘No’. That is the beauty of democracy.”
Information and Broadcasting Secretary Mahbuba Farzana said those who want good governance and an end to authoritarian rule should support reforms and back a ‘Yes’ vote in the referendum. She said the “Voter’s Rickshaw” campaign would operate in all 64 districts and 4,500 unions across the country to promote awareness ahead of the referendum and parliamentary polls.
Earlier, the adviser inaugurated eight rickshaws representing the country’s eight divisions, which will campaign nationwide to disseminate information on the code of conduct for the referendum and national election.
The inaugural event was chaired by Md Abdul Jalil, director general of the Mass Communication Department. Among others, ASM Zahid, director general of Bangladesh Betar, also spoke at the programme.
