TDS Desk:

Syeda Rizwana Hasan, Adviser to the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change and the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting said everyone must participate in the upcoming referendum, stressing that meaningful reform is only possible through active public involvement.

Speaking at a programme on civic responsibility, social engagement and urban development organised by Dhaka North City Corporation in Gulshan on Sunday, she said, “If we truly want reforms, then our answer in the referendum must be ‘yes’. If we do not say yes, remain silent, stay inactive or say no, we may miss the opportunity to restore the balance of power that society needs—possibly for many more years.”

She urged citizens to read and understand the proposed reform measures, noting that the government has prepared extensive publicity materials and explanatory notes to help people make informed decisions.

Rizwana Hasan emphasised that participation in the referendum is essential. “If you want reforms, you must go to the referendum and express your support for reform,” she said.

Highlighting the role of young voters, she said the youth would make up a significant portion of the electorate in the upcoming election. “Just as the young generation helped free us from authoritarian rule, it is this same generation that must now strengthen the foundations of democracy through reforms,” she said, adding that there is no scope for complacency simply because authoritarianism has ended.

Referring to past anti-authoritarian movements, she noted that democracy does not automatically follow the fall of autocracy. “We still remember Noor Hossain and Dr Milon, among many others. History shows that even successful movements against autocracy do not guarantee democracy. For democracy to take root, every citizen must be conscious and vigilant in exercising their voting rights,” she said.

The Information and Broadcasting Adviser also warned that voters may face intimidation aimed at discouraging participation. “There are already signs of attempts to instil fear so that people do not go to the polls. But it was by overcoming fear that the July–August movement succeeded. Earlier movements failed to achieve final success because fear could not be overcome,” she said.

She added that fear continues to be used as a tool, but insisted it must be defeated once again. “The people of Bangladesh have overcome fear time and again, and we will do so again. In honour of the sacrifices made by the youth, we must choose the path of reform and exercise our decision in the referendum scheduled for February 12 to lay a strong foundation for democracy,” she said.