Dhaka:<Text>
Special Assistant to the Chief Adviser, Professor Ali Riaz, announced today that the success of the upcoming referendum would serve as a safeguard against future governments adopting fascist tendencies. He made these remarks while serving as the main discussant at a workshop titled 'Upcoming Referendum and What NGOs Should Do,' held at the NGO Affairs Bureau conference room in Dhaka.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the workshop also featured Chief Adviser's Special Assistant Monir Haider and Secretary of SHUJAN (Citizens for Good Governance), Dr. Badiul Alam Majumder, as special discussants. The meeting was moderated by Md. Daud Miah, Director General of the NGO Affairs Bureau, and attended by representatives from approximately 450 local and international NGOs.
Prof Ali Riaz, who is also the chief coordinator of the government's campaign for the referendum, stated that the current flawed constitutional and state structures allow those i n power to potentially become fascists. He emphasized the necessity of winning a "yes" vote in the referendum to prevent this trajectory.
The upcoming referendum, Prof Ali Riaz explained, will operate similarly to any general election, empowering the people to decide the future governance of Bangladesh. Voters will receive two ballots at polling stations: a white ballot for electing representatives and a colored one for the referendum.
Prof Ali Riaz underlined the collective responsibility to foster public opinion and ensure widespread participation in the referendum, attributing this duty to the sacrifices made during the July Uprising and previous governmental regimes. He further highlighted the ongoing crisis of transparency and accountability within the state, suggesting that implementing the July National Charter through the referendum could pave the way for enhanced transparency across all state institutions.
He acknowledged the vital role NGOs and d evelopment workers have played in rebuilding Bangladesh, supporting the poor, and addressing natural disasters and crises. "People trust you," he told NGO workers, "so you can play an important role in making the marginalized people aware of the referendum."
Monir Haider reminded attendees of the historical context, noting that during the Pakistani regime, democratic rights were stripped away from the people. He emphasized that the freedom fighters dreamed of a nation where citizens' rights were protected, and that a successful referendum could facilitate a safer, more democratic Bangladesh for future generations. Conversely, failure to secure the desired reforms could result in a regression to pre-August 5, 2024 conditions.
Haider also mentioned that a 'Yes' vote would lead to the establishment of an effective parliamentary system, balance among state institutions, and increased accountability and transparency in governance. This would accompany judicial reform and decentr alization.
Badiul Alam Majumder, a former member of the National Consensus Commission, presented on the significance of referendums, specifically those outlined in the July National Charter, and their importance in achieving necessary reforms.
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