Information and Broadcasting Secretary Mahbuba Farjana spoke at a discussion and view-exchange meeting on publicity activities for the 13th National Parliamentary Election, held at the conference room of the Press Information Department (PID),Dhaka. Photo : PID

DHAKA, Dec 11, 2025 (BSS) – Information and Broadcasting Secretary Mahbuba Farjana today said that proper and effective publicity plays a crucial role in ensuring free and fair elections.

“The government’s communication activities should be made more dynamic and strengthened ahead of the upcoming 13th National Parliamentary Election and the referendum,” she said.

The secretary made the remarks while speaking as the chief guest at a discussion and view-exchange meeting on publicity activities for the 13th National Parliamentary Election, held at the conference room of the Press Information Department (PID) at the secretariat here.

Public relations officers deployed in different ministries and officials of regional information offices attended the meeting.

Principal Information Officer Md. Nizamul Kabir presided over the programme.

To make the “Yes–No” concept of the referendum easily understandable for grassroots communities, she instructed public relations officers and regional information officials to intensify their efforts.

The secretary said several initiatives have been taken in coordination with the Election Commission to bring the communication activities of the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting to the doorsteps of the people ahead of the national election and referendum.

Training programmes will be arranged for journalists in 30 districts, and a seminar will be held in every division, she added.

She also said that the role of information officials is crucial in countering rumours and misinformation.

Mahbuba Farjana urged officials to clearly understand electoral laws and regulations, adding that people must be made aware that the key to holding a transparent and accountable election lies in their hands.

She noted that the public has had many bitter experiences with elections over the past 15 years.
The secretary stressed the need to encourage people—especially youths, women and voters from remote areas—to participate in the election and come to polling stations.

Mahbuba Farjana praised the professionalism of public relations and regional information officers for carrying out the government’s communication activities seamlessly.