Religious Affairs Adviser Dr AFM Khalid Hossain today spoke at the premises of the Sunamganj Heritage Museum. Photo: BSS

SUNAMGANJ, Jan 20, 2026 (BSS) - Religious Affairs Adviser Dr AFM Khalid 
Hossain today said a referendum is essential for ensuring a better future, as 
restoring a democratic system, free and fair elections and democratic 
practices requires voting "Yes" in the upcoming referendum.

He made the remarks while addressing a public awareness gathering on 
Referendum, organized by the district administration at the premises of the 
Sunamganj Heritage Museum.

The Religious Adviser said he had come to convey an important message to the 
people, noting that two votes would be held on February 12-one for the 
national parliamentary election and the other for the referendum.

Voters would be able to cast their votes freely and without obstruction to 
elect representatives to run the state for the next five years, he said.

Dr Khalid explained that voters would use a white ballot paper to vote in the 
parliamentary election, while a pink ballot paper would be used for the 
referendum, carrying options for "Yes" and "No." He urged all voters to cast 
"Yes" votes in the referendum.

Referring to the historic referendum held in greater Sylhet in 1947, the 
adviser said referendums have the power to change the course of history and 
reshape a nation's destiny. 

He expressed hope that voting "Yes" in the upcoming referendum would bring a 
positive change in political culture and help the country break free from 
all-pervasive fascism and authoritarian exploitation.

Highlighting the significance of the referendum, Dr Khalid said it is a 
historic and important event in Bangladesh's political journey, as all 
political parties have signed the July Charter, making the referendum a 
product of national consensus.

He said the government is not pursuing the referendum for its own benefit, 
adding that if people believe reforms are unnecessary and want to continue 
under the existing system, it would cause no personal or political loss to 
either Chief Adviser Dr Muhammad Yunus or himself.

The Religious Adviser also assured that the administration and law 
enforcement agencies would perform their duties with complete neutrality 
during the election. 

"The people will elect whomever they choose, and after handing over power to 
the elected government, we will step aside," he said, calling upon everyone 
to speak in favor of the referendum.

Earlier, speech of Chief Adviser Dr Muhammad Yunus and awareness videos on 
the referendum were screened through a campaign vehicle named "Super 
Caravan."

Chaired by Deputy Commissioner Dr Mohammad Elias Mia, it was also attended by 
senior government officials, contesting parliamentary candidates, valiant 
freedom fighters, journalists, imams, representatives of civil society and 
over a thousand people.