Critics of referendum have limited understanding: Press Secretary

Chief adviser’s press secretary Shafiqul Alam, senior secretary, has said those criticising the referendum have limited understanding. He said governments across the world take positions on referendums, sometimes supporting a yes vote and sometimes a no vote.

He made the remarks around 11 am on Friday, January 16, after arriving in Akhaura of Brahmanbaria.

Later, he visited the shrine of Shah Syed Ahmed Gesudaraj, revered saint, in Akhaura. Akhaura upazila nirbahi officer Tapasi Rabeya, officer-in-charge of Akhaura police station Jabed-ul Islam, assistant commissioner land Kofil Uddin Mahmud, and leaders of the shrine committee were present at the time.

Shafiqul Alam said the government supports reforms and that misgovernance in the country must be eliminated. He said people are being urged to vote yes to prevent the emergence of another monster like Sheikh Hasina.

Responding to journalists’ questions about the election, the press secretary said there were no concerns regarding the polls. He said the election would be held in a very proper manner and that the issue had also been discussed at a cabinet meeting the previous day.

He added that the home affairs adviser had outlined the preparations, saying the upcoming election would be free, fair, peaceful and festive. All necessary preparations have been completed, including security measures and activities related to returning and polling officers. He said the authorities are now waiting for the vote, noting that the reform agenda has been presented as a package through the yes vote.