Religious Affairs Adviser Dr AFM Khalid Hossain-File Photo

DHAKA, Jan 25, 2026 (BSS)- Religious Affairs Adviser Dr AFM Khalid Hossain today said the referendum will change the trend of the country's politics.

“To build a bright country, 'Yes' vote must be won in the referendum,” he said while addressing National Imam Conference organised by Islamic Foundation at the Bangladesh-China Friendship Conference Centre at Agargaon here.

Chief Adviser’s Special Assistants Professor Ali Riaz, Dr Anisuzzaman Chowdhury and Monir Haider and Religious Affairs Secretary Md Kamal Uddin were present as special guests at the conference with Islamic Foundation Director General Abdus Salam Khan in the chair.

Dr Khalid said, “You will vote for whoever you like in the general election. And by voting 'Yes' in the referendum, you will help change the country.

“A false campaign is being conducted that if you vote for 'Yes' in the referendum, Bismillah will be removed in the constitution, and Islam will not be the state religion. No one should be confused, these are all false campaign,” he said.

Requesting all to campaign in favour of 'Yes' vote from their respective positions the adviser said dictatorship must be ended and the rule of law must be established to protect the fundamental rights of citizens and establish human rights.

The adviser called upon everyone to create a revolution in favour of a 'Yes' vote.

Prof Ali Riaz said, “We are all candidates for the referendum. The government will have to run the country in the future in line with the guidelines that we will create through the referendum.”

He urged all to vote for 'Yes' in the referendum so that the oppressive, authoritarian and fascist regime does not return.

Monir Haider said “Yes vote means July uprising, and 'No' vote means fascism. There is no middle ground. There is no room for silence.” 

“Silence means favouring fascism,” he said requesting the imams to play an active role in shaping public opinion in favour of 'Yes' vote.

Among others, Islamic Arabic University Vice Chancellor Professor Md Shamsul Alam, Islamic Foundation Director Md Mohiuddin, and former principal of Tamirul Millat Kamil Madrasa Joynal Abedin also spoke at the conference.

More than 100 imams and khatibs participated in the conference.