Savar: Information and Broadcasting Adviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan today emphasized that the forthcoming referendum is of national significance and should be perceived beyond partisan or personal views. She expressed these views while addressing an event as the chief guest, focusing on the issues related to the 2026 referendum, and its impact on women and children.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the event was organized by Bangladesh Betar in collaboration with the Department of Mass Communication at Radio Colony ground in Savar, under the ‘Awareness Campaign on Child, Adolescent and Women Development’ project. Rizwana Hasan stated, “If you vote ‘yes’ in the national interest, it does not matter whether you support any party or not-the country will win. And when the country wins, we all win.”
She elaborated that the interim government, which took office following the mass uprising in July, has the responsibility to guide the nation through elections, reforms, and justice, ensuring that the country remains free from fascist influences. “The people are the source of all power, and there should be space to exercise that power,” she remarked.
As an adviser to the Ministries of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, and Water Resources, Syeda Rizwana Hasan underscored the importance of electing leaders responsibly, as errors in this aspect could set the nation back. She explained that the proposed reforms were derived from recommendations by six election-related commissions among the 11 commissions established under the July Charter, which all political parties have endorsed.
She highlighted that the referendum proposes changes in political matters, such as power balance, empowering citizens, ensuring good governance, judicial reforms, and increasing women’s participation, all presented through a set of questions. The referendum poses four primary questions with ‘yes’ or ‘no’ options, and she encouraged voters to support ‘yes’. “When ‘yes’ wins, the people can truly begin the journey towards democracy,” she added.
Recalling past events, she mentioned the removal of the caretaker administration from the constitution in 2011 and the swift passage of laws. “We don’t want the situation to repeat. If ‘yes’ prevails in the referendum, such scenarios will not occur because the Deputy Speaker will come from the opposition, and consent of the upper chamber of Parliament will be required for decisions,” she noted.
The Adviser also addressed the need for administrative positions to be filled by representatives of the people rather than party loyalists. She stated that if the referendum passes with ‘yes’, it would lead to strengthened administration and institutions, expanded constitutional rights, including environmental and internet rights, and increased governmental work.
Syeda Rizwana Hasan called on individuals to transcend personal and party biases and vote ‘yes’ in the interest of the nation. The program was chaired by Mahbuba Farjana, Secretary of the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting. Before the event, Rizwana Hasan inaugurated a referendum-themed rickshaw by cutting the ribbon. Bangladesh Betar Director General ASM Zahid and senior officials from the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting were also present. The event concluded with a cultural performance by popular musicians.