Health and Family Welfare Adviser Nurjahan Begum has stated that the inclusion of “Bismillah-ar-Rahman-ar-Rahim” in the Bangladeshi constitution, which appears as the document’s first words, is unrelated to and unaffected by the upcoming referendum.
Speaking to reporters on Monday after a discussion session with district-level officials at the Pabna Circuit House, she said, “’Bismillah’ is not a new addition, nor will it disappear in the future. It will remain for life, at all times.”
The programme was organised by the district administration, with District Commissioner Shahed Mostofa presiding.
Special guests included Special Assistant to the Chief Adviser for the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Md Sayedur Rahman.
Addressing concerns over the election environment following complaints from various political parties, Nurjahan Begum added, “None of these claims are true. The electoral environment will not be disrupted. The referendum will take place in a festive atmosphere as per schedule.”
Later, she visited the Government Edward College grounds in Pabna to inspect referendum campaign vehicles and activities, emphasising smooth conduct and public awareness efforts.
