Awareness Drive in Lama: Remote Hill Voters Still Unclear on Referendum

While the 13th National Parliament Election gains momentum in the hills, an awareness gap remains among remote communities regarding the simultaneous national referendum.

On Wednesday (January 21), the Lama Upazila Information Office took its campaign to the banks of the Matamuhuri River, holding a 10-minute briefing with local boatmen and fishermen. Upazila Assistant Information Officer Mohammad Rashedul Haque explained the core reforms of the July National Charter.

Fixing the Prime Minister's tenure to a maximum of 10 years. Limiting the President's unilateral power to pardon criminals. Moving toward a two-chamber parliamentary system.

Despite these efforts, a field visit to the remote unions of Lama revealed that many voters have little to no understanding of what the referendum is or why they are being asked to vote "Yes" or "No."

While the general election—scheduled for February 12, 2026—has generated significant excitement, the concept of a constitutional referendum has not yet reached the elderly and working-class populations in far-flung hilly neighborhoods like Hlacha Para.

Local residents expressed a desire to vote for their preferred parliamentary candidates but admitted they were confused by the additional ballot. Community members are now calling for larger-scale awareness campaigns to ensure that voters in the Chittagong Hill Tracts can make an informed choice on the nation's constitutional future.