Rangpur: The Anti-Discrimination Student Movement organized a ‘Yes’ March in Rangpur on Monday afternoon, advocating for the upcoming referendum and calling for a transformation aligned with the spirit of the July Uprising. The event aimed to raise support and awareness for the referendum and the 13th Jatiya Sangsad elections.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, a documentary promoting the ‘Yes’ vote was shown from a publicity van at the Public Library Ground before the march. The procession, led by Anti-Discrimination Student Movement Central Committee President Rifat Rashid and Chief Coordinator Hasib Al Islam, proceeded through major streets in the city.
During the rally, participants encouraged voters to support the ‘Yes’ vote in both the referendum and the parliamentary elections to contribute to what they believe is the vision of Bangladesh as inspired by the July Revolution. The event featured speeches from Rifat Rashid, Hasib Al Islam, and other central and local leaders, highlighting the Rangpur programme as a segment of a larger, nationwide ‘Yes March’ campaign.
Rifat Rashid emphasized the importance of a ‘Yes’ vote for establishing a non-discriminatory, justice-based state. He mentioned that despite the emergence of a new Bangladesh through the sacrifices of martyrs, some factions continue to undermine the July Uprising, which the movement aims to counter.
Hasib criticized the government and political parties for not prioritizing the referendum and pointed out a lack of awareness campaigns. He cautioned that opposing the ‘Yes’ vote could lead to public disapproval.
Earlier in the day, leaders of the movement paid respects at the graves of martyr Abu Sayeed and martyr Md Sohag in Pirganj upazila. They also visited the families of the martyrs to check on their wellbeing.