Dhaka: Religious Affairs Adviser Dr. AFM Khalid Hossain today asserted that the upcoming referendum will significantly alter the political landscape of the country. He emphasized the importance of a 'Yes' vote to build a prosperous nation, while addressing the National Imam Conference organized by the Islamic Foundation at the Bangladesh-China Friendship Conference Centre in Agargaon.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the event was attended by Chief Adviser's Special Assistants Professor Ali Riaz, Dr. Anisuzzaman Chowdhury, Monir Haider, and Religious Affairs Secretary Md Kamal Uddin. The conference was chaired by Islamic Foundation Director General Abdus Salam Khan. Dr. Khalid urged the public to vote according to their preferences in the general election, but stressed that a 'Yes' vote in the referendum would be pivotal in transforming the nation.
He refuted false claims suggesting that a 'Yes' vote in the referendum would lead to the removal of "Bismillah" from the constitution or Islam as the state religion, labelling these assertions as misleading. Dr. Khalid called upon citizens to campaign for a 'Yes' vote to dismantle dictatorship and establish the rule of law, thereby safeguarding fundamental rights and human rights.
Professor Ali Riaz highlighted that the referendum results would guide the future governance of the country and urged constituents to support the 'Yes' vote to prevent the return of oppressive and authoritarian regimes. Monir Haider echoed similar sentiments, stating that a 'Yes' vote symbolizes the July uprising, while a 'No' vote represents fascism, leaving no room for neutrality or silence in this crucial decision.
He called on imams to actively influence public opinion in favor of the 'Yes' vote. The conference also featured speeches from Islamic Arabic University Vice Chancellor Professor Md Shamsul Alam, Islamic Foundation Director Md Mohiuddin, and former principal of Tamirul Millat Kamil Madrasa Joynal Abedin. Over 100 imams and khatibs participated in the event, underscoring its significance in shaping the nation's political future.