Wave of ‘Yes’ vote sweeping Bangladesh: CA’s press secretary
He said a nationwide wave of “Yes” votes is visible ahead of the July Charter referendum, urging voters to support it to prevent a return to autocracy and protect citizens’ rights.
Chief Adviser's Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam today (23 January) said a wave of "Yes" votes is already visible across Bangladesh, urging people to vote "Yes" in the July Charter referendum, slated to be held along with the general election on 12 February.
While speaking to journalists after visiting the shrine of Buchai Pagla in the Batulia area of Sanora Union of Dhamrai upazila, Dhaka, he said "We believe a 'Yes' vote will ensure that no autocracy returns to the country, no injustice or oppression comes back, no one's money is taken forcibly from banks, and no one's family members forcibly disappeared."
He added that such a mandate would help establish a governance system that upholds and protects people's rights.
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The press secretary also noted that candidates in the ongoing national parliamentary election, campaigning for which began yesterday across the country, are witnessing an enthusiastic and festive atmosphere.
Referring to the attack on the Buchai Pagla shrine on 11 August 2024, Shafiqul said the tomb and its dome were vandalised during the incident.
He described Buchai Pagla as a well-known figure in the area and said a popular music fair is held at the shrine every February, attracting renowned Baul artists from across the country.
"Bangladesh is a country of communal harmony, and we hope everyone will uphold this spirit," he said, calling the attack on the shrine a highly condemnable act.
"If you do not like a place, you do not have to go there. Shrines are part of our culture, and millions of people visit them," he added.
He said the government has filed a case over the attack on the shrine and that the legal process is ongoing.
Notably, on 11 September 2024, a mob vandalised the Buchai Pagla shrine in Dhamrai. Although police later filed a case in connection with the incident, no arrests have been made so far. The shrine has since been renovated by its authorities.
On journalists' safety, the press secretary said any attack on journalists is condemnable and stressed that ensuring their security is a shared responsibility of the government, citizens and political parties alike.
He also expressed optimism that journalists would be able to cover the upcoming election smoothly.
