Pabna: Health Adviser Nurjahan Begum today emphasized that it is the responsibility of the administration to clearly present the content of the upcoming referendum and raise public awareness, given that the government is advocating for a ‘yes’ vote. She urged that public awareness about the referendum’s content is crucial as it will encourage people to vote in favor of ‘yes’.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Begum made these remarks while speaking to journalists after a view-exchange meeting with district-level officials at the Pabna Circuit House, organized by the district administration. She clarified that the referendum is unrelated to the inclusion of ‘Bismillah’ in the constitution, stating that ‘Bismillah has always been there, still now there, and will remain there.’
Addressing concerns raised by various political parties about the electoral environment, Begum dismissed these claims as baseless and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to conducting the referendum and elections in a fair, peaceful, and festive atmosphere. She expressed optimism that the referendum would proceed on schedule with enthusiastic public participation.
The Health and Family Welfare Adviser also inspected the government’s referendum campaign activities at Edward College in Pabna, as preparations continue for the upcoming 13th national election and referendum. The inspection, which took place around 11:30 am, featured various awareness programs aimed at encouraging public participation and promoting the ‘yes’ vote.
Campaign initiatives included displaying referendum campaign vehicles, inspecting opinion collection boxes, and writing messages on open walls throughout the college premises. Officials stated that these efforts are designed to help the general public understand the content, significance, and importance of the referendum.
Present during the inspection were Health Services Division Secretary Md. Saidur Rahman, Pabna Deputy Commissioner Shahed Mostafa, Superintendent of Police Md Anwar Zahid, Edward College Principal Professor Lutfar Rahman, Sadar Upazila Nirbahi Officer Tamara Tasbiha, Assistant Director of Pabna General Hospital Dr. Md. Rafiqul Hasan, along with other senior officials from the administration and health departments. The officials stressed the necessity of a fair and acceptable referendum, the effective implementation of reform programs, and spontaneous public engagement in political and social change.