News Flash
SYLHET, Jan 16, 2026 (BSS) – Disaster Management and Relief and Liberation War Affairs Adviser Faruk-E-Azam, Bir Protik, today said the referendum is aimed at handing over the ownership of the state and government to the people.
The outcome of the referendum would shape the future of Bangladesh, he said urging citizens to participate in it to bring meaningful change.
Faruk-E-Azam made the remarks while addressing a courtyard meeting organised by the District Information Office at the Lakkatura Golf Club ground here this afternoon on the referendum and the upcoming national parliament election.
Health and Family Welfare Adviser Nurjahan Begum attended the programme as a special guest.
Speaking as chief guest, Faruk-E-Azam said that following the mass uprising of 2024, the interim government had three key responsibilities: ensuring trial of genocide perpetrators, bringing fundamental reforms to the state system and holding the national parliament election.
He said trials have already begun and several perpetrators have been punished.
To prevent a return to the previous fascist system, the July Charter was formulated through consensus among political parties, he added.
The adviser said the referendum is being held on some fundamental issues of the July Charter, while organising the national election will mark the completion of the interim government’s responsibilities.
Calling first-time voters fortunate, he said their first vote would be for fundamental state reforms and the protection of basic rights.
He added that a thoughtful verdict in favour of the referendum would help reform the economy, judiciary, health and education sectors.
Faruk-e-Azam said a prosperous, humane and inclusive new Bangladesh must be built together to realise the aspirations for which students and people sacrificed their lives.
In her speech, Health Adviser Nurjahan Begum said no government can change people’s fate if citizens are not aware of their rights.
She stressed the need to elect capable candidates through awareness, adding that good candidates emerge from a sound state structure.
She said there is no alternative to voting in favour of the referendum to reform and strengthen the state system and build a discrimination-free country.
The meeting was chaired by Sylhet Divisional Commissioner Khan Md Reza-un-Nabi.
Secretary to the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare Md Saidur Rahman, Director of the Department of Mass Communication Mir Md Aslam Uddin, Deputy Commissioner Md Sarwar Alam and Civil Surgeon Md Nasir Uddin were present as special guests.
Sylhet Sadar Upazila Nirbahi Officer Khoshnur Rubaiyat, Assistant Director of the District Information Office Rakib Hasan and officials from various government departments were also present.
