Adviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan today spoke as the chief guest at the referendum promotion and voter motivation view-exchange meeting in Nilphamari. Photo: PID

NILPHAMARI, Jan 18, 2026 (BSS) - Environment, Forest and Climate Change Adviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan today urged voters to vote for “Yes” in the upcoming general elections and referendum.

“If you are in favour of change, if you are in favour of reform, if you truly want accountable governance and political leadership, then you must vote for ‘Yes’,” she said.

While speaking as the chief guest at the referendum promotion and voter motivation view-exchange meeting at District Shilpakala Academy auditorium here this afternoon, Rizwana highlighted the importance of the referendum.

“If change is to be brought, then change will not come if we keep the existing governance system, the same laws and regulations, and the same people,” she said.

The adviser said the government has formed various reform commissions to determine the process through which change can be brought. 

Of those, six reform commissions related to voting, balance of power, and accountability held meetings with all political parties day after day on their recommendations, she said.

"We will vote no matter what obstacles come our way. The government is ready to face all obstacles. The government's biggest strength is the people and the voters. You should be ready to vote,” she said.

Rizwana, also the information and broadcasting adviser, said all preparations for the vote are almost over, while symbols will be allotted on January 21 and the polls campaign will start on January 22.

“You should start thinking now about who you will vote for. If we want to get rid of misrules, we have to go to the polling stations,” she said.

Nilphamari Deputy Commissioner Mohammad Nairuzzaman presided over the meeting. 

Rangpur Divisional Commissioner's Office Director (Joint Secretary) Md Abu Jafor also spoke, among others.

Earlier in the day, the adviser inaugurated a colourful rally by releasing balloons on the premises of the Deputy Commissioner's Office to promote the referendum and motivate voters. 

The rally, led by the adviser, paraded different streets of the city and ended at the District Shilpakala Auditorium. These programmes were organised by the Nilphamari District Administration.