Religious Affairs Adviser Dr AFM Khalid Hossain. Photo : Collected

DHAKA, Jan 5, 2026 (BSS) - Religious Affairs Adviser Dr AFM Khalid Hossain today said a referendum will close the path to the creation of fascism. 

He made the remarks while speaking as the chief guest at a workshop held at the Islamic Foundation auditorium in Agargaon here aimed at raising public awareness about the referendum, said an official handout.

Khalid said in Bangladesh, once someone comes to power, they tend to try to prolong their rule through various tricks and strategies. This has been the pattern over the past 54 years, he said. 

A referendum, he said, will bring about a change in this situation. 

Through it, the government and opposition parties will be able to work together in forming the caretaker government, the Election Commission, and the Public Service Commission.

He said the Islamic Foundation has an extensive network nationwide, and if it is strengthened, it can bring immense benefits to the country and the nation. 

He also assured that initiatives would be taken to upgrade the Islamic Foundation into a directorate.

Islamic Foundation Director General Abdur Salam Khan chaired the event while Chief Adviser’s Special Assistants Professor Ali Riaz and Monir Haider, Cabinet Secretary Dr. Sheikh Abdur Rashid, and Religious Affairs Secretary Md. Kamal Uddin as special guests.

Professor Ali Riaz said that if “Yes” wins in the referendum, another fascist like Hasina will not emerge in Bangladesh. 

He said the referendum will determine the future course of Bangladesh for the next 50 years and called on imams to play a role in raising public awareness about the referendum.

Distinguished Islamic scholars from across the country and field-level officials of the Islamic Foundation attended the event.