Referendum aimed at preventing rise of fascism: Farida Akhter

Fisheries and Livestock Adviser Farida Akhter on Monday said the referendum is being held so that no fascism or autocracy can ever rise again in the country in future.

“If the people believe that by voting “Yes” they can take the country one step forward toward a new and democratic system of governance, then they will give their verdict accordingly.”

She made the remarks while addressing the chief guest at a rally at Pirojpur Government Boys’ High School, aimed at promoting the referendum.

She said that the upcoming election is not only about electing representatives; arrangements have also been made to take the people’s opinions through a referendum on important issues related to state governance. 

Four fundamental issues have been presented to the people as a single package, through which they will express their views by agreeing or disagreeing, she added.

The adviser added that the candidates who will win the election go to the parliament, take responsibility for running the state and form the government. However, they will have no opportunity to work against the July Charter. The July Charter will be the foundation of the future state system.

She further said that various reform initiatives, including an independent Police Commission, have already been adopted through ordinances and work on these issues is going on. 

In response to a question about whether the government can speak on the matters after the election schedule is announced, Farida Akhter said that the government is not campaigning for or against any candidate or political party. 

Rather, this is part of the government’s responsibility in accordance with cabinet decisions, she said, adding that the interim government is working not only to organise elections but also to seek public opinion on what the future state system should be like.

Regarding the constitutional reform, she said that provisions of the constitution that were anti-people and used to concentrate power have shown the need for change. However, she emphasised that there is no basis for concern that constitutional reform would undermine fundamental rights or religious freedom.

Pirojpur District Administration organised the event with Deputy Commissioner of Pirojpur Abu Sayeed in the chair. 

Superintendent of Police Mohammad Manjur Ahmed Siddique, Deputy Director of the District Information Office Parikshit Choudhury, and District Election Officer Md. Abdul Mannan were present at the event, among others.

NSA