Dhaka: Prof Ali Riaz, special assistant to the chief adviser, emphasized on Tuesday that while the July Charter may appear in printed text, its essence is steeped in the sacrifices of the nation’s people. He addressed an interactive meeting entitled ‘Public Awareness Campaign on Referendum in Public and Private Universities’ at the Nabab Nawab Ali Chowdhury Senate Building auditorium of Dhaka University.
According to United News of Bangladesh, Ali Riaz paid tribute to the July martyrs and those injured, emphasizing their quest for a dignified state, not political power. He described the July Charter as a testament to their sacrifices. Highlighting the responsibility of acknowledging this debt, he urged the audience not to deny the contributions that enable their freedom to speak today.
Ali Riaz further elaborated on the process of drafting the charter, which involved consultations with political parties, civil society, and various stakeholders. He poignantly remarked on the emotional weight of the charter, symbolizing the cries of mothers who lost their children.
Discussing the historical context, he criticized the abolition of the caretaker government system, which he believes enabled the unchecked power of one individual in past elections. He cited the controversial 2014 Election Commission, alleging the appointment of Kazi Rakibuddin Ahmad as Chief Election Commissioner was manipulated to favor the then Prime Minister.
The July Charter, as Ali Riaz explained, includes measures to prevent the recurrence of ‘one-person rule’. It stipulates that future Election Commissions should be formed through a consultative process involving representatives from the ruling, main opposition, and second-largest opposition parties in parliament.
He also discussed the potential reforms in the Public Service Commission and presidential powers, emphasizing that the President would no longer have unilateral authority to grant pardons. Future states of emergency would require cabinet approval with representation from the opposition, removing the term ‘internal disturbance’ from the equation.
Addressing past instances of constitutional amendments for individual benefit, he stated that future amendments would necessitate significant parliamentary support and a majority from an upper house. Ali Riaz also called for changes to Article 70 and reforms in the presidential election process to ensure parliamentary independence and robust debate.
He concluded by highlighting the consensus among political parties that key parliamentary committees should be chaired by opposition members, urging collective support for the July Charter’s implementation.
The event was attended by notable figures including Chief Adviser’s Special Assistant Monir Haidar, University Grants Commission Chairman Dr SMA Fayez, and DU Pro-Vice-Chancellor Prof Dr Sayma Haque Bidisha, alongside university officials, students, and those affected by the July events.