Govt took sides in all past referendums: Asif Nazrul

Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs Adviser Asif Nazrul has said that in all referendums held in Bangladesh in the past, the government had taken a position in favor of one side. 

Asif Nazrul also noted that no new government is formed through a referendum.

He made the remarks on Thursday during a press briefing at the Foreign Service Academy on Bailey Road in the capital.

Responding to questions about the government’s direct nationwide campaign in favor of a “Yes” vote, Asif Nazrul said that since assuming office, the interim government has identified reform, justice, and elections as its three key priorities. He mentioned that initiatives such as the formation of the National Consensus Commission and the drafting of the July Charter are part of ongoing advocacy for reforms.

He further said that reform was one of the core expectations of the mass uprising, adding, “At this moment, we are speaking in favor of reforms and appealing to the general public in support of this process.”