Many rural voters in the dark about referendum

Our Correspondent

COX'S BAZAR, Jan 24: On February 12, voters across Bangladesh will cast ballots in the 13th National Parliamentary Election. On the same day, voters will also participate in a constitutional referendum, meaning they will receive two separate ballot papers one to elect a member of parliament and another to vote in the referendum.

Although the Election Commission (EC) has launched nationwide awareness campaigns clearing the subject matter of the referendum, these initiatives have had little impact in the rural areas of Cox's Bazar.

A large number of rural voters are still unaware that they will be given two different ballots on the election day.

The EC's campaign slogan "One ballot to vote for a candidate, another for the referendum. White ballot for the candidate, pink ballot for the referendum" has yet to reach a significant portion of voters in villages across the district.

Despite government and EC's efforts to promote the referendum, a lack of awareness threatens to undermine what is being described as a historic opportunity for constitutional reform and change.

Local sources alleged that even many grassroots-level political activists remain unclear about the referendum process. Awareness Campaigns Concentrated in Urban Areas:

Although the interim government has been running public awareness campaign using digital billboards and promotional vehicles, these activities remain largely city-centric.

While digital billboards are visible in Cox's Bazar town, awareness vehicles and public announcements are rarely seen in rural areas such as Sadar Upazila, Eidgaon, and other remote villages.

As a result, urban residents appear relatively informed, while many rural voters still do not know what the referendum is, why it is being held, or what a "Yes" or "No" vote actually means.

Visit to several upazilas and villages revealed a near absence of visible referendum-related campaigning.

Consequently, despite the national importance of the issue, awareness among rural voters remains alarmingly low.

Civil Society Voices Concern:

Professor Ajit Das, president of Shushashoner Jonno Nagorik (Shujon), Cox's Bazar district, said that although the government has promoted the referendum under the slogan "The key to the nation is in your hands," the campaign remains heavily focused on urban areas.

"To ensure meaningful participation, the 'Yes' and 'No' voting options must be clearly explained at the upazila and village levels," he said.

He added that the referendum will shape the future of critical issues, including the caretaker government system, the structure of the Election Commission and Public Service Commission, the role of the opposition, the tenure of the government, fundamental rights, internet shutdown policies, and broader constitutional reforms.

"Therefore, active involvement of political parties alongside the government is essential," he stressed.

Momtaz Uddin Bahari, general secretary of the Cox's Bazar Press Club, said that although the parliamentary election and referendum will take place on the same day, there is virtually no discussion about the referendum in rural areas.

"Many voters do not even know that a separate ballot will be provided for the referendum. This may cause confusion at polling centres on election day," he warned.

He also emphasised the need to involve mosque imams and khatibs, teachers, local representatives, and community opinion leaders to raise awareness effectively.

Grassroots Voices Reflect Lack of Awareness:

Rahim Uddin, an auto-rickshaw driver from Link Road in Cox's Bazar Sadar, said, "I only know about voting for an MP. No one told me what the referendum is or why there will be two ballots."

Shamiul Alam, a tea vendor from Kalarmarchhara, said he is aware of the parliamentary election but has no idea about the referendum.

Mujibur Rahman, a betel leaf shop owner from Hoanak in Maheshkhali, said, "I've heard there will be a 'Yes' and 'No' vote, but I don't understand the issue. No one explains it in the village."

Administration Promises Increased Outreach: District Information Officer Md Abdus Sattar said that, following instructions from the Deputy Commissioner, awareness activities on the referendum have already begun through the District Information Office and upazila administrations.

"Integrated initiatives are underway to highlight the importance of the referendum at the grassroots level, and these are being implemented in the field," he said.

Assistant Returning Officer and Cox's Bazar Sadar Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Tanjila Tasnim said that awareness meetings will be held in every union and municipality. Leaflets are being prepared and distributed, and courtyard meetings are being conducted to take the message directly to voters.

She added that referendum awareness campaigns in rural areas will be intensified in the coming days.