Pekua, Cox’s Bazar: On Tuesday (January 6, 2026), A ‘Orientation Meeting with Religious Leaders’ was held in Pekua to raise awareness among religious leaders about the exercise of voter rights, the election process, and their role in ensuring an inclusive and peaceful election in the upcoming National Parliament Election–2026.
The orientation, organized by the non-governmental voluntary development organization ISDE Bangladesh with the support of the international organization IFES, took place at the Pekua Upazila Parishad hall. A total of 34 religious leaders, including imams of various mosques, priests of temples, and monks from different religions, participated in the event.
Pekua Upazila Executive Officer Mahbub Alam Mahbub attended the orientation as the chief guest. The special guest was Upazila Election Officer Shawkat Ali Chowdhury. The program was conducted by ISDE Bangladesh’s Program Coordinator, Jahangir Alam, and participants in the discussion included Freedom Fighter Priest Ajit Kumar Nath, President of Pekua Upazila Puja Celebration Council Suman Biswas, Maulana Ziyabul Islam, Maulana Md. Shahidullah, Md. Belal Hossain, Gautam Biswas, Riduanul Alam Sajib, ISDE Program Officer Md. Kamal Uddin, Jalal Uddin, and Shahidul Islam, among others. Speakers at the meeting stated that religious leaders can play an important role in organizing free, fair, transparent, and participatory elections. Through them, it is possible to create awareness among the general public, especially new voters, minorities, and underprivileged groups, about voter rights, the election process, and encourage peaceful voting. Additionally, emphasis was placed on the responsible role of religious leaders in raising public awareness about referendums and preventing rumors and misinformation during elections.
