Adviser Sharmeen S Murshid today spoke a public awareness "mock voting" programme on the referendum at the Jashore Collectorate premises. Photo: BSS

JASHORE, Jan 19, 2026 (BSS) - Women and Children Affairs Adviser Sharmeen S 
Murshid today said the referendum means a new Bangladesh and a new system, 
adding that it also signifies bringing all political parties back to the path 
of democracy.

"Political parties would work in favour of a "Yes" vote in line with their 
interests. We are not neutral people. I am in favour of the referendum. One 
cannot remain neutral on this issue. I stand for 'Yes'," she said.

The adviser made the remarks while inaugurating a public awareness "mock 
voting" programme on the referendum at the Jashore Collectorate premises 
today.

Referring to the involvement of political parties in the referendum, Murshid 
said political parties would carry out campaigns in their own ways. 

"However, this is not a political issue. We expect political parties to stand 
in favour of the 'Yes' vote, as their interests are also linked to it. We 
will all work together in favour of the referendum," she continued.

She further said if political parties respect and recognise the mass 
uprising, honour the sacrifices of the youths, and embrace the dream of 
building a new Bangladesh, they too would support the referendum.

Earlier, the adviser inaugurated the mock voting activities related to the 
referendum by releasing balloons and festoons. She later cast her vote in the 
mock voting after completing the formalities of the referendum process.

District Commissioner Mohammad Asheq Hasan, Superintendent of Police Syed 
Rafiqul Islam, Senior Election Officer Jahangir Alam and officials of the 
district administration were present on the occasion.

Earlier in the morning, the adviser held a meeting with the district 
administration and law enforcement agencies at the district commissioner's 
conference room.

At the meeting, she said, "I have been working as an election observer for a 
long time."

Noting that holding a referendum and a parliamentary election simultaneously 
would be challenging in Bangladesh's history, she stressed the need to ensure 
a conducive environment for peaceful elections, particularly for women, 
children and persons with disabilities to exercise their voting rights 
properly. 

She also urged intensified campaigning to ensure victory for the 'Yes' vote 
in the referendum.

To dismantle the long-standing fascist structure and move the country 
forward, the adviser said, the 'Yes' vote must prevail in the referendum.