Public uncertainty over referendum, voters worried about Yunus government’s excessive campaigning

Special Correspondent

In view of the upcoming referendum to be held simultaneously with the 13th National Parliament election, various private organizations, including banks, educational institutions, and other government agencies, are conducting extensive campaigns to raise public awareness in various parts of the country. Although various initiatives have been taken, including political meetings, leaflet distribution, miking, and voting vehicles, a large section of the general public still does not have a clear idea about the process and importance of the referendum. There is confusion among new voters as well as many older voters.

In particular, the level of trust in Dr. Yunus’ interim government has dropped to the lowest point on the one hand, while on the other hand, the excessive campaigning of extremist political parties as well as government institutions regarding the referendum has raised concerns in the public mind. The common people have started thinking of a plan to poison people with chocolate wrappers. The common people have not taken well to the threats and intimidation of some political parties, especially Jamaat-e-Islami and NCP, if they do not vote ‘yes’, saying ‘Khabor Ahe’.

Although government campaigning is ongoing at various district and upazila levels, as the concept of referendum is new, many are unable to understand what the need for a referendum is, how to vote, what benefits will come from voting ‘yes’, and how civil rights will be protected through it.

Talking to several government officials, one idea has become clear: the hard-working common people are angry with the political groups responsible for the overall picture of the country after August 5, 2024. There is also doubt about the purpose of the national parliamentary elections they are organizing and the referendum that is attached to it. Going to the polling station and security are a big reason in this regard.

An Election Commission official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said that the referendum issue is being explained to the general public by going door to door as per government instructions. This will serve as the basis for accountability of the future government.

Abdur Rashid, a veteran tea seller in the Battali Railway Station area of ​​Chittagong, said he is not interested in the referendum. He has seen the campaigning about it through banners, festoons and newspapers.

According to him, the Yunus government is going to carry out another conspiracy like the July riots through a referendum. He has resorted to these tricks to justify his own and his associates’ misdeeds. In this context, he gave the example of dictator Ziaur Rahman’s yes/no vote.

Bahadur, a battery-powered autorickshaw driver from Mirpur-10 area of ​​the capital Dhaka, said this was the first time he had heard the word referendum. He had heard that voting ‘yes’ would change people’s fate and that poor people would be able to live in peace, but he had not had the opportunity to learn more.

In response to a question, Bahadur said, “I couldn’t believe it when I heard that the fate of the poor would change and they would live in peace. There is no way to change the fate of the poor in this country. Those who say these things are liars.”

Dhaka University student Bithi Akhter said this is the first vote in her life. So, she is keen to vote ‘yes’ in the referendum along with voting for her preferred candidate.

Why will you vote yes? In response to the question, the unprepared Bithi smiled and said, “I will vote because the teachers and senior sisters in the department say so.” What exactly is there in yes, I haven’t had the opportunity to find out yet.