‘Referendum allows people to express views freely’
Staff Correspondent :
Narayanganj District Commissioner (DC) Md. Raihan Kabir has said that active participation of voters is crucial to ensuring a free, fair and impartial election. He stated that through a referendum, people get the opportunity to express their opinions independently, which is the very foundation of democracy.
He noted that after August 5, there is a renewed opportunity for rebuilding the state, and some reforms are necessary. Instead of the government or political leaders carrying out reforms on their own, the responsibility has been placed in the hands of the people. That is why this referendum is being organized.
The DC made these remarks while speaking as the chief guest at a motivational meeting aimed at raising public awareness and increasing citizen participation regarding the referendum ahead of the 13th National Parliamentary Election. The event was organized by the Narayanganj Sadar Upazila Administration and Fatullah Union Parishad.
The meeting was held on Wednesday (January 14) in the afternoon at the field of Fatullah Government Primary School, with Sadar Upazila Nirbahi Officer S. M. Fayez Uddin presiding.
He further said that on February 12, the National Parliamentary Election will be held along with a simultaneous “Yes or No” referendum vote. “Previously, there was no proper environment for voting. This time, the opportunity to vote has come. So, exercise your right to vote and express your true will,” he urged.
He emphasized that the main objective of the program is to increase public awareness surrounding the referendum and to encourage citizens to exercise their voting rights. “Whether you vote ‘Yes’ or ‘No’ is entirely up to you. We are here only to make you aware of the importance of casting your vote,” he said.
The DC also assured that the administration will continue such initiatives to ensure that voters can participate in the referendum smoothly and enthusiastically on election day.
Other speakers at the meeting stressed the importance of motivating voters to exercise their franchise and dispelling misconceptions related to the election process. At the end of the program, leaflets were distributed among participants, and decisions were taken to carry out various activities to raise voter awareness.
Among those present were Assistant Land Officer (Fatullah Circle Assistant Commissioner of Land) Asaduzzaman Nur, Upazila Election Returning Officer Md. Tashinur Rahman, Officer-in-Charge (OC) of Fatullah Model Police Station Abdul Mannan, Acting Chairman of Fatullah Union Parishad Md. Selim Mia, Ward No. 4 UP Member Kazi Mainuddin, election officials, representatives of various departments, public representatives, and civil society leaders.