Rangpur: The State Reform Movement celebrated its fourth founding anniversary in Rangpur city on Saturday afternoon under the slogan, “We will establish people’s ownership over all the powers and resources of the state.” The Rangpur district unit of the movement organized a discussion at the Sumi Community Center, followed by a cake-cutting ceremony.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Prof Chinu Kabir, Coordinator of the Rangpur district unit, presided over the discussion, which was moderated by Organizer Kanak Rahman. Advocate Raihan Kabir, Rangpur Divisional Coordinator and Central Committee leader of the State Reform Movement, delivered the welcome speech. Among the speakers were Touhidur Rahman, Rangpur district Coordinator of Gano Sanghati Andolan; Mahi Azad, Rangpur district Convener of Nagorik Oikya; ABM Mashiur Rahman, General Secretary of JSD Rangpur Metropolis; and Ashikur Rahman, Rangpur district Organizer of Gano Adhikar Parishad. Women leaders and organizers Lipi Debgupta, Nafida Nowrin, and Wasifa Zaman Adri also addressed the event.
Advocate Raihan Kabir stated that the primary aim of the state reform is to return power to the people and ensure their full ownership of the country’s resources. “We believe the current governance structure limits ordinary people’s access to power, which necessitates constitutional and institutional reforms,” he said.
Speakers emphasized the need for a democratic, accountable, and people-centered state by building a just economic structure and increasing political awareness among the population. They announced that a series of programs would be undertaken to strengthen organizational capacity at the grassroots level, enhance public engagement, and shape public opinion in favor of political and economic reforms.
Women leaders highlighted the necessity of active women’s participation in the state reform movement, with Lipi Debgupta stating, “Women’s equal role must be ensured in the process of changing the state’s structure.” Prof Chinu Kabir called for unity among all stakeholders to shape the country’s future despite political differences, saying, “We believe that if people unite to restore state ownership and power, it will be possible to build a society based on equality and justice.”
The event concluded with a cake-cutting ceremony and sweets distributed among the guests and participants.