Govt to campaign for referendum: Press Secretary

Government will actively campaign for the upcoming referendum, provided there is no legal barrier, Chief Adviser’s press secretary Shafiqul Alam said on Sunday (January 11).

He briefed reporters at the Foreign Service Academy in Dhaka after Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus met with EU election observation mission head Iyar Yabs at the State Guesthouse Jamuna.

Alam said Yunus assured the observers that the interim government will raise awareness and promote a ‘Yes’ vote. Legal experts have confirmed in writing that campaigning in favor of the referendum does not violate any law.

No discussions were held regarding Awami League or party participation in the vote. The EU mission emphasised the significance of the referendum, noting that a ‘Yes’ outcome would enable implementation of the necessary reform agenda.

The press secretary added that observers would monitor the process nationwide and consult with major political parties and stakeholders.

Alam quoted Yunus as assuring the EU that the referendum and upcoming elections will be free, fair, credible, peaceful, and conducted in a festive atmosphere, with both the interim government and the Election Commission fully prepared.