Photo: BSS

RAJSHAHI, Jan 26, 2026 (BSS)- Speakers at a participatory meeting here today 
unanimously said informed electorates are the most important prerequisite for 
a free, fair, and acceptable election.

They noted that irregularities, misinformation, and intimidation in the 
electoral process would be significantly reduced if women, youth, and 
marginalized groups are aware of the rules for exercising voting rights, the 
electoral code of conduct, and their civic responsibilities.
 
At the same time, responsible voter participation would help ensure 
transparency and accountability in the electoral system.

Government officials and development activists made the observation while 
addressing a divisional-level sharing meeting with stakeholders.

Light House organised the meeting at Boalia Club in the city as part of 
implementing its "Promoting inclusive voter education to strengthen electoral 
participation among women, youth, and marginalized communities in Bangladesh" 
project.

Deputy Commissioner (DC) Afia Akhter, additional superintendent of Police 
Sabina Yeasmin and Executive Head of Light House Harun Or Rashid addressed 
the meeting as resource persons disseminating their expertise on the issue.

Executive Director of Barendra Unnayan Prochesta Faizullah Chowdhury, 
Director of DASCOH Foundation Jahangir Alam Khan, Executive Director of 
Anagrasar Samaj Unnayan Sangstha Raj Kumar Shaw and Project Coordinator of 
Association for Community Development (ACD) Subrata Kumar Pal also spoke.

DC Afia Akhtar said that informed and responsible participation by voters is 
essential to organising a democratic election. When voters are aware of the 
proper procedures for casting their votes, the electoral code of conduct, and 
the overall election process, irregularities and confusion are significantly 
reduced, she added. 

She also remarked that initiatives by human rights organisations like Light 
House deserve appreciation.

Important decisions on how the state will run and how the judiciary, election 
commission and anti-corruption commission will function independently will 
come through the referendum, she said, adding that electorates should cast 
'Yes' vote in the referendum for this reason.

"All of us should campaign for the 'Yes' vote massively," she added.
Harun Or Rashid told the meeting that the project aims to strengthen 
democracy by boosting the participation among women, youth, and marginalised 
communities, including persons with disabilities and minorities.

It seeks to increase voter literacy, facilitate informed decision-making, and 
overcome barriers to voting.

The key goals include enhancing civic knowledge, fostering informed, peaceful 
voting, and increasing the representation of these groups as both voters and 
candidates.