Ehsanul Haque, Senior Secretary of the Ministry of Public Administration, discussed with administrative officials of Rajshahi Division at a meeting on referendum campaign and voter motivation at the conference room of the Divisional Commissioner's Office today (Friday). Photo: BSS

RAJSHAHI, Jan 30, 2026 (BSS)- Senior Secretary of the Ministry of Public 
Administration, Ehsanul Haque, has said that due to restrictions imposed by 
the Election Commission, government officials and employees will no longer 
engage in any form of campaigning in favor of either 'Yes' or 'No' votes in 
the referendum.

He made the remarks while speaking with administrative officials of the 
Rajshahi Division at an exchange meeting on referendum campaigning and voter 
motivation, held today (Friday) at the office conference hall of Divisional 
Commissioner.

Senior Secretary Ehsanul Haque said that in the past, as there were no such 
specific restrictions from the Election Commission, government officials and 
employees had campaigned in favor of the 'Yes' vote in referendums. 

However, as the Election Commission has now issued clear directives, 
government officials and employees will not participate in campaigning on 
behalf of any side.

The administration will encourage voters to participate in the referendum, 
but will not campaign in favor of any specific vote-whether 'Yes' or 'No', he 
added.

Administrative officials from various levels of the Rajshahi Division were 
present at the meeting. 

Discussions were also held on the necessary measures to ensure that the 
referendum is conducted in a fair and peaceful manner. Rajshahi Divisional 
Commissioner Dr ANM Bazlur Rashid and Additional Commissioner Habibur Rahman 
also spoke on the occasion.