Information and Broadcasting Adviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan on Sunday urged voters to cast a ‘Yes’ vote in the referendum, saying it is crucial to ensure accountable governance and moral leadership by responsible politicians.
She said meaningful change cannot be achieved by keeping the same people, systems and laws in place, adding that the government has formed several reform commissions to lay the groundwork for structural change.
Rizwana Hasan said six reform commissions are directly linked to voting, balance of power and accountability, and their recommendations have already been discussed with all political parties.
Based on those discussions, voters will be asked four questions covering 12 issues through a referendum using pink ballot papers, she said, adding that those who support reform, accountability and moral leadership should vote ‘Yes’.
The adviser made the remarks while addressing a referendum campaign and voter motivation meeting at the Nilphamari Shilpakala Academy in the afternoon.
Referring to past elections, she said people were systematically prevented from voting and the administration was used to control the electoral process, leaving no scope for neutrality and making reforms unavoidable.
She urged voters to go to polling centres and vote ‘Yes’ to break free from such an administrative culture, while warning that intimidation and conflict may be used to discourage participation.
“All preparations for the referendum have been completed. No matter what obstacles arise, the government is ready and the vote will be held on time,” she said.
Explaining the impact of a ‘Yes’ vote, Rizwana Hasan said it would make the caretaker government system mandatory, prevent arbitrary constitutional changes and end partisan control over the Election Commission.
She said a ‘Yes’ vote would also strengthen the judiciary, reform the electoral system, end party-based administration and ensure dignity for people of all religions and for women.
Speaking about the killing of Osman Hadi, the adviser said the incident has shocked the nation and the government is committed to ensuring justice, adding that the charge sheet has already been submitted and legal proceedings will begin soon.
Director Joint Secretary of Local Government at the Rangpur Divisional Commissioner’s Office Md Abu Jafar spoke as a special guest at the meeting, which was chaired by Nilphamari Deputy Commissioner Mohammad Nairuzzaman.
