Religious Affairs Adviser Dr AFM Khalid Hossain -File Photo

DHAKA, Jan 20, 2026 (BSS) - Religious Affairs Adviser Dr AFM Khalid Hossain today said the upcoming referendum would act as a catalyst in restoring the country’s political culture, adding that a victory for “Yes” would prevent the resurgence of all-pervasive fascism.

He made the remarks while addressing a district Imam Conference organized to promote the referendum and motivate voters at the premises of the Habiganj Deputy Commissioner’s office this morning. 

The conference was jointly organized by the Habiganj district administration and the Islamic Foundation.

The Religious Adviser said the referendum and the national parliamentary election would be held on February 12, with voters receiving two ballot papers — one white and one pink. 

“Through the white ballot, voters would be able to elect their preferred candidates, while the pink ballot would allow them to cast votes for or against the July Charter,” he said.

The adviser added the government is working to create public awareness in favor of casting “Yes” votes in the referendum out of its commitment to institutionalizing the spirit of the July Mass Uprising.

Requesting people to vote “Yes” in the referendum, Dr Khalid said that once in power, individuals or parties in the country have historically tried to cling to authority through manipulation, deception and farcical elections. 

He expressed hope that the referendum would help bring about a change in such a mindset and usher in a positive political culture.

Saying that the key to the country lies in the hands of the people, the adviser noted that in the past, ruling parties had amended the Constitution at will. 

If people vote in favor of “Yes” in the referendum, no future government would be able to make arbitrary constitutional changes to serve partisan interests, he said.

He added that any fundamental amendment to the Constitution in the future would require approval through a referendum. The adviser also mentioned that an Upper House would be established in the National Parliament, noting that such bicameral parliamentary systems exist in countries including the UK and the United States.

Earlier, the speech of Chief Adviser Dr Muhammad Yunus on the referendum was broadcast through a campaign vehicle named “Super Caravan.”

Chaired by Deputy Commissioner Abu Hasnat Mohammad Arefin, the programme was also addressed by Superintendent of Police Yasmin Khatun, Deputy Director of the Islamic Foundation Muhammad Muniruzzaman and District Election Officer Anwar Mahmud. 

Senior government officials, valiant freedom fighters, journalists, imams, representatives of civil society and over a thousand people attended the event.

Later in the day, the Religious Adviser attended a views-exchange meeting at the Shilpakala Academy auditorium in Moulvibazar, organized by the district administration to raise public awareness about the referendum activities. 

Deputy Commissioner Touhiduzzaman Pavel presided over the meeting, while Superintendent of Police Mohammad Billal Hossain, Deputy Director of the Islamic Foundation Md Faruk Alam and District Election Officer Dipak Kumar Roy also spoke.