United Student Union to campaign for ‘Yes’ vote in referendum

The United Student Union, a joint platform of the central student unions of five public universities, has announced a series of mass gatherings across the country’s eight divisional cities aimed at mobilising public support for a “Yes” vote in the upcoming referendum.

The announcement was made by Dhaka University Central Students’ Union (DUCSU) General Secretary SM Farhad at a press conference held in front of the DUCSU Bhaban on Wednesday afternoon.

The platform brings together DUCSU, Jahangirnagar University Central Students’ Union (JUCSU), Rajshahi University Central Students’ Union (RUCSU), Chittagong University Central Students’ Union (CUCSU) and Jagannath University Central Students’ Union (JnUCSU).

In a written statement, SM Farhad said the student community of Bangladesh has historically played a responsible and leading role during critical moments of national importance. Continuing that legacy, he said, the elected student councils of the five universities have jointly taken the initiative to organise mass gatherings in divisional cities to raise awareness in favour of a “Yes” vote under the banner of the Unified Student Union.

He said the programmes aim to encourage people from all walks of life to take a stand in support of the referendum in a peaceful, democratic and inclusive manner.

According to him, the key objectives are to explain the significance of the referendum to the public, dispel fear and confusion, and build comprehensive public awareness in favour of state reform.

“A referendum is not merely a political process; it is the constitutional right of the people to directly express their opinions,” SM Farhad said. “This right becomes meaningful only when people can make decisions in a fear-free and informed environment.”

He added that Bangladesh is currently at a historic crossroads and that the referendum represents the most effective means of granting constitutional and democratic recognition to the people’s demand- voiced during the July Revolution- for dismantling an outdated and discriminatory state structure and establishing a just, secure and accountable state.

The student leaders claimed that a ‘Yes’ victory would institutionalise the sacrifices made by students and citizens during the unfinished July movement.

They said a ‘Yes’ vote symbolises not merely electoral support, but a firm commitment to a safe Bangladesh, a discrimination-free society and the protection of citizens’ rights.

According to the announced schedule, the campaign will begin on Thursday (January 29) at 2:00 pm with a divisional mass gathering at Court Point in Bandar Bazar, Sylhet. Similar programmes will be held in phases across all divisional cities of the country.

Elected representatives of the five student councils are expected to attend the gatherings, alongside family members of July martyrs, injured veterans, religious leaders from mosques and temples, leaders of business associations, press clubs, Shilpakala Academy and sports organisations, representatives of the labour community, and professionals including teachers and doctors.

DUCSU Vice-President Shadik Kayem, GS SM Farhad, Assistant General Secretary Mohiuddin Khan, CUCSU GS Sayed Bin Habib, JUCSU GS Mazharul Islam, AGS Ferdous Al Hasan, JnUCSU GS Abdul Alim Arif, and other leaders of the respective student councils were present at the press conference.

At the event, the student leaders called upon students and the general public across the country, irrespective of political affiliation, to participate spontaneously and ensure the success of the programmes.