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

Speaking while inspecting a specially designed “Voter Gari” at Gor-E-Shahid Boro Maidan in Dinajpur, he assured that voters would be able to cast their ballots freely in both the general election and the referendum.
“Necessary arrangements have been made, and no one will be able to obstruct voters,” he said.

Fouzul Kabir Khan noted that in the past many citizens were deprived of their voting rights and said the July mass uprising by students and the public reflected resistance against that deprivation.

“Now the time has come for people to exercise their right to vote and elect candidates of their choice,” he added.

Highlighting the importance of reforms, the adviser said they are essential to maintaining a balance of power and preventing enforced disappearances, murders and killings.

He urged voters to support the reform proposals by voting ‘Yes’ in the referendum, while stressing that those opposed are free to vote ‘No’ without any pressure.

He said the reform process would continue if the people deliver a verdict in favour of the proposals.
The adviser also reiterated that the upcoming election will be held under a neutral, non-partisan government, ensuring a fair environment for all voters.

Referring to Dinajpur’s diverse population, including minority and ethnic communities, he said the government has instructed the district administration and police to ensure that all voters can exercise their rights without hindrance.

He called on everyone to cooperate in holding a peaceful election.

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