Leaders of the Bangladesh Union Members Association (BAISOS) have urged citizens to ‘Yes’ vote in favour of the upcoming national referendum.
The call was made during a programme titled “Vote Yes in the Referendum” held at the National Press Club on Saturday, where the organisation announced its formal commitment to a nationwide campaign to support the referendum.
Representing nearly 55,000 Union Parishad (UP) members across the country, BAISOS leaders emphasised that these members play a crucial role in connecting the state with citizens at the grassroots level and can significantly contribute to raising public awareness about the vote.
The organisation also highlighted the importance of youth engagement in local governance, urging young people to participate in democratic and development-oriented initiatives at the union, upazila, and district levels.
To support national development, BAISOS presented seven specific proposals, including population control initiatives at the union level, the expansion of adult education programmes, the promotion of modern agricultural technology, and afforestation.
These proposals also encompass community-based law and order mechanisms, employment generation through small and cottage industries and IT training, and the strengthening of disaster preparedness and rehabilitation systems.
To improve law and order and curb social crimes and drug abuse, BAISOS announced plans to form ward-based law and order committees in coordination with UP members and relevant authorities.
Addressing the issue of unemployment, the organisation stated it would work with concerned agencies to establish small and cottage industries, provide ICT training, and implement projects related to fisheries, poultry, and livestock farming.
Golam Sarwar Milon, the chief coordinator and spokesperson of BAISOS, noted that the organisation has worked relentlessly since its inception to promote rural development and economic progress.
He stated that improved rural connectivity, electricity, solar power, mobile phones, and internet services are transforming the rural economy, and this momentum must be harnessed to reduce poverty and build a self-reliant Bangladesh.
Chowdhury Hasan Sarwardi, chairman of BISOS, added that strengthening the role of union parishad members is essential for building an effective, people-oriented local government system, which would contribute to a prosperous and happy nation.
The event concluded with a call for unity among local government representatives to ensure broad public participation and a successful outcome in the referendum.
