Those opposing the referendum are essentially fugitive forces, says Adilur Rahman

Adviser to the Ministries of Industries and Housing and Public Works, Adilur Rahman Khan, today said those questioning the government’s role in campaigning for the upcoming referendum are essentially fugitive forces.

He said the July Charter was formulated through the initiative of comrades who sacrificed their lives during the July–August mass uprising, and the referendum has been arranged to implement the charter.

Adilur Rahman, who also serves as adviser to the Ministry of Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives, made the remarks while speaking to journalists after paying tribute at the July Memorial at Gurudayal Government College ground in Kishoreganj town this morning.

He noted that the referendum aims to uphold the spirit of the July mass uprising and claimed that those who opposed the uprising are now attempting to mislead the public by creating confusion over the referendum.

However, he said the people of Bangladesh stand with the July caravan and will demonstrate that support by voting “Yes” in the referendum.

Describing the current administration as one born out of the mass uprising, the adviser said the July Charter was drafted with the participation of students and the general public, and the government will work alongside them to implement it.

On the political process following the referendum, he said public support would be reflected through a “Yes” vote on the 12th, after which preferred candidates would be elected from the grassroots and sent to parliament.

He added that the people of Bangladesh are conscious and politically aware, having made history through their actions.

With only two days remaining in the formal campaign period, he expressed confidence that the country would unite in support of the referendum, the July Charter, the changes brought by the mass uprising, and the protection of people’s rights.

Referring to supporters of fascism, he said many have fled the country while others remain in hiding, and expressed optimism that free and fair elections would be held in Kishoreganj and elsewhere.

Kishoreganj Deputy Commissioner Mohammad Islam Molla, Superintendent of Police Dr S M Farhad Hossain, district convener of the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement Hafez Ikram Hossain, July fighters, and senior district administration officials were present at the event.

Later, the adviser attended a view-exchange meeting on the referendum with heads of various government offices at the Deputy Commissioner’s conference room.

He is also scheduled to participate in meetings to raise awareness about the referendum with NGO representatives and beneficiary women, in addition to several programmes across different upazilas of the district.