Senior Secretary of the Ministry of Public Administration, Ehsanul Haque, has stated that government officials and employees will no longer participate in ‘Yes’ or ‘No’ campaigns for the upcoming referendum due to Election Commission (EC) restrictions.
He made the remarks at an exchange of views meeting on referendum publicity and voter participation held at the Rajshahi Divisional Commissioner’s office at 11am.
Addressing administrative officials of the Rajshahi division, Ehsanul said government employees had previously campaigned in favour of ‘Yes’ votes as there had been no specific restrictions from the Election Commission at the time.
However, he said that following clear instructions from the commission, officials were now barred from participating in campaigns for either side.
Ehsanul Haque said the administration would continue efforts to encourage voter turnout in the referendum but would not adopt any position or campaign for a ‘Yes’ or ‘No’ outcome.
The meeting was chaired by Rajshahi Divisional Commissioner ANM Bazlur Rashid and was attended by administrative officials from different levels across the division.
Participants at the meeting also discussed measures needed to ensure the referendum is held in a fair and peaceful manner.
