‘Critics of referendum lack understanding’

Staff Reporter :

Press Secretary Mohammad Shafiqul Alam said there is no cause for concern over the upcoming national election, claiming all preparations have been completed to ensure a free, fair and festive poll.

Speaking to journalists on Friday morning after visiting and offering prayers at the shrine of Hazrat Shah Syed Ahmad Gesu Daraz Shah Pir Kalla (R) in Akhaura upazila, Shafiqul Alam said the country is now simply waiting for election day scheduled on 12 February.

He said returning officers and polling officials were fully prepared, security arrangements had been finalised, and the postal ballot process had also been completed. “From every angle, the preparations are done,” he said.

Addressing criticism of the planned referendum, the press secretary said those opposing it lacked sufficient understanding.

“In countries where referendums are held, governments usually take a position either for ‘yes’ or ‘no’,” he said. “Since this government supports reform, it is speaking in favour of a ‘yes’ vote.”

He described the referendum as a collective package of reforms aimed at preventing a return to misgovernance or authoritarian rule.

“The referendum is meant to ensure that autocracy does not come back to this country,” he said.
Shafiqul Alam also said that unlike previous elections, when voting allegedly took place at night and people were deprived of their right to vote, citizens would be able to cast their ballots freely this time.

“This government will prove through its actions that it has no partisan bias,” he added.
After speaking to reporters, the press secretary toured different areas of the shrine complex.

Akhaura Upazila Nirbahi Officer Tapasi Rabea, Assistant Commissioner (Land) Kafil Uddin Mahmud, shrine committee general secretary Rafiqul Islam Khadem Mintu, and other administrative officials and committee members were present at the time.