Feb 12 Polls to Shape Nation’s Course for Next 50 Years

Adviser to the Ministries of Power, Energy and Mineral Resources; Road Transport and Bridges; and Railways Muhammad Fouzul Kabir Khan on Thursday said the people of the country will determine their destiny for the next 50 years through the national parliamentary election scheduled for February 12.

He said voters will be able to cast their ballots freely in both the general election and the referendum, as all necessary arrangements have been put in place to prevent any obstruction. Fouzul made the remarks while inspecting the specially designed ‘Voter Gari’ (Super Caravan) at Gor-e-Shahid Boro Maidan in Dinajpur in the morning.

Referring to past elections, the adviser said people had long been deprived of their voting rights. He noted that the July mass uprising by students and the general public was a reflection of widespread anger over that deprivation. “Now the time has come for people to elect their preferred candidates by exercising their right to vote,” he added.

Fouzul stressed the importance of reforms to restore balance in governance and to prevent enforced disappearances, murders and other killings. He said citizens should support the reform proposals by voting “Yes” in the referendum, while those opposed are equally free to vote “No”. “There is no compulsion. The decision rests entirely with the people,” he said.

He added that if the reform proposals receive public support through the referendum, the reform process will move forward accordingly.

The adviser also reiterated that the upcoming national election will be held under a neutral and non-partisan government, ensuring a level playing field where no one can prevent others from voting.

Highlighting Dinajpur’s diverse population, including minority and ethnic communities, Fouzul said the government has instructed the local administration and police to ensure that all voters can exercise their rights without fear or hindrance. He called on all concerned to cooperate in maintaining a peaceful and inclusive election environment.

Dinajpur Deputy Commissioner Md Rafiqul Islam presided over the event.
Among others present were Secretary of the Energy and Mineral Resources Division Mohammad Saiful Islam; Chairman of Bangladesh Oil, Gas and Mineral Corporation Md Rezanur Rahman; Director General (current charge) of the Department of Mass Communication Md Abdul Jalil; Rangpur Deputy Commissioner Md Enamul Ahsan; and Dinajpur Superintendent of Police Md Jedan Al Musa.