Photo: BSS

RAJSHAHI, Jan 27, 2026 (BSS) - A views exchange meeting was held in Paba Upazila of Rajshahi today to raise voter awareness about the importance and significance of the upcoming referendum.

The meeting was jointly organized by the Upazila Administration and the Upazila Social Services Office at the Paba Upazila Parishad conference room this afternoon.

Secretary of the Ministry of Social Welfare Dr Mohammad Abu Yousuf attended the meeting as the chief guest. He said a referendum is a vital democratic process through which people can directly express their opinions in state decision-making.

He stressed the need for voters to have a clear understanding of the objectives, procedures and importance of the referendum, noting that meaningful and acceptable outcomes depend on the participation of informed and responsible voters.

Dr Abu Yousuf said key decisions regarding how the state will be run and how institutions such as the judiciary, election commission and anti-corruption commission will function independently will be determined through the referendum. 

He added that voters should cast a 'Yes' vote for this reason. He also called for collective efforts from people of all professions alongside government initiatives to ensure successful participation.

Paba Upazila Nirbahi Officer Arafat Aman Aziz chaired the meeting. 

He said the Upazila Administration is regularly conducting awareness programmes to prevent any confusion among voters regarding the referendum. He expressed hope that greater awareness of rights and responsibilities would make the referendum more effective and meaningful.

Upazila Social Services Officer Mohammad Hossain Khan moderated the meeting.

Among the special guests were Director General of the Department of Social Services Kamal Uddin Bishwas, Director of the Divisional Social Services Office Syed Mostak Hasan, and Deputy Director of the District Social Services Office Monira Khatun.

Officials from different government departments, public representatives, teachers, civil society members and media personnel attended the programme. An open discussion and question-and-answer session on the referendum was held at the end of the meeting.