Religious leaders can play an important role in organizing a free, fair, and transparent election with the participation of everyone. Through them, it is possible to encourage the general public, especially new voters, religious minorities, and disadvantaged communities, about voting rights, the election process, and voting peacefully. Additionally, religious leaders can play a responsible role in creating awareness among the general public about referendums and preventing rumors and misinformation during elections. Participants expressed their commitment to actively promoting voter awareness within their respective communities through various cultural and religious events. On the occasion of the upcoming National Parliamentary Election–2026 on December 17, 2025, various speakers at the ‘Orientation Meeting with Religious Leaders’ held in Chakaria expressed the above views to raise awareness about voter rights, the election process, and the role of religious leaders in inclusive and peaceful elections.
This meeting, organized by the private voluntary development organization ISDE Bangladesh and with the support of the international development organization IFES, was held in the Chokoria Ansar and VDP office hall, attended by 30 leaders from various religions including imams, priests, and monks.
The orientation meeting, coordinated by ISDE Bangladesh program coordinator Jahangir Alam, featured Chakaria Upazila Election Officer Mahfuzul Islam as the chief speaker. Addresses were also delivered by Monitoring Officer Supom Barua, Upazila Manager Jalal Uddin, Program Officer Shahidul Islam, General Secretary of Bangladesh Sanatan Service Association Bishwajit Bainshab, Maulana Abdur Rahim, Tumparani Nath, Arman Muhammad Rafi, Sarwar Alam, Md. Faruk, Maulana Harunur Rashid, Maulana Shefayet Hossain, and Kokshabazar Fishermen Federation President Ashraf Ali, among others.
It is worth noting that ISDE is implementing various awareness-raising activities under the inclusive voter education program in the Cox’s Bazar district’s upazilas of Chakaria, Pekua, and Maheshkhali, aiming to ensure a democratic, peaceful, and participatory election.
