BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir has called on voters to cast a ‘Yes’ vote in the upcoming referendum, saying it is the only path to meaningful state reform and a break from the country’s failed past governance.

Addressing a roadside rally at Galimbabur Hat area of Jagannathpur union in Thakurgaon Sadar upazila on Sunday, Mirza Fakhrul; also BNP-nominated candidate for Thakurgaon-1, said the referendum presents a clear choice between reform and stagnation.

“The core question of this referendum is simple; who wants reform and who does not,” he said. “Those who ran the country the way it was run have fled. To fix the nation, reforms are essential and this referendum is meant to decide that.”

He urged voters to support reforms by voting ‘Yes’. “Those who want reform will vote ‘Yes’ and those who don’t will vote ‘No’. We all want reform, so we will all vote ‘Yes’,” he added.

Addressing members of the Hindu community, the BNP leader assured them of protection and support. “I, Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, will always stand by you. No one will be allowed to harm you,” he said.

Speaking to the general public, he said the country stands at a crossroads. “In just three days, it will be decided whether the country continues on its old path or moves forward on a new one. Don’t you want to see the country governed in a new way?”

Referring to BNP’s chairman, he said, “Our leader Tarique Rahman is young, energetic and modern in outlook. We want new leadership instead of old-style politics.”

Mirza Fakhrul also called for youthful leadership at the highest level of government. “This country needs a young prime minister who can lead with new ideas and take Bangladesh forward. Let us all stand together for that change,” he said.