Chief Election Commissioner Justice Mohammad Abdur Rauf Sunday called upon the people to take part in September IS referendum for maintaining constitutional continuity and strengthening the footing of democracy, reports BSS.

He was addressing a corss-section of people including the local elite and officials of government, semi-government and autonomous bodies at the ManikgonJ Town Hall in the mornfng.

Explaining the significance of the forthcoming referendum the Chief Election Commissioner said despite passing the 12th Amendment Bill unanimously at the Jatiya Sangsad, it could not be turned into law without the approval of the people. The Acting President has sought the people's verdict through the referendum whether he would give his accent to the bfU, or

not. he added.

Justice Rauf said, the sanctity of the election will have to be protected at any cost. He called upon the conscious section of the people to turn the referendum into a "movement" for consolidating the foundation of democracy.

Addressing another rally at MunshigonJ. the Election Commissioner Justice Syed Misbahuddin Hossain said, the coming referendum was very significant for the whole nation as It was the first time that a referendum was being held on the question of Constitutional amendment.

He said, a very important issue like the system of government would be decided through referendum for the first time.