Information and Broadcasting Adviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan addressedc a rally as the chief guest at Ambika Stadium in Faridpur today. Photo: PID

DHAKA, Jan 21, 2026 (BSS) –  Information and Broadcasting Adviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan today reaffirmed the government’s preparedness to hold the 13th parliamentary election and referendum on February 12, calling on citizens to cast ‘yes’ vote to pave the way for unity, peace and prosperity.

“Voters would cast two ballots on the day—one to elect a lawmaker for their constituency and another to decide on reforms aimed at changing the system of governance. Voting is not only a right but also a responsibility,” she said. 

She was addressing a rally as the chief guest at Ambika Stadium in Faridpur. 

“This referendum is an opportunity to change the country’s system. A nation cannot be transformed by changing individuals alone; the system must change so that no one can become tyrannical after coming to power,” she said.

The adviser, who is also adviser to the ministries of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, and Water Resources, said political parties and the public are ready for the election. 

She cautioned against skepticism, saying doubts about the polls were “ghosts of the last 16 years.”

Highlighting public enthusiasm, Rizwana said she had witnessed strong interest in voting across five districts she had visited. 

She attributed this to the government’s firm stance in favor of holding elections and the role of political parties in building public support.

“We stand at a crucial moment to connect the Bangladesh’s the future with the Bangladesh of the past 54 years. To do that, we must clean up the accumulated garbage of the years and move forward on the path of unity, peace and prosperity,” she said, urging voters to support the referendum.

Rizwana also noted that constitutional changes are needed to truly uphold the principle that “the people are the source of all power.”

Lamiya Morshed, Principal Coordinator for SDGs Affairs, Chief Adviser's Office, spoke as a special guest, saying the referendum would enable citizens to endorse necessary reforms. 

She said the interim government had consulted political parties extensively to build national consensus, and the elected government would be responsible for implementing the approved reforms.

Secretary of the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting Mahbuba Farjana said nationwide campaigns were underway to inform citizens about the referendum, including special measures for remote areas. 

She added that voting rickshaws had been launched in 495 upazilas and 4,500 unions to encourage public participation and support for reform.

The event, chaired by Faridpur Deputy Commissioner Kamrul Hasan Mollah, was also addressed by Superintendent of Police Md Nazrul Islam, Upazila Executive Officer Meshkatul Jannat Rabeya, and representatives of the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement, BNP, Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami and National Citizen Party (NCP).

Earlier in the day, Rizwana participated in a rally to motivate voters ahead of the election and referendum. 

A video message from the Chief Adviser on the referendum was screened on a mobile voting vehicle at the end of the programme.