Sylhet: Professor Ali Riaz, Special Assistant to the Chief Adviser and Chief Coordinator of the referendum campaign, today stated there is no legal restriction preventing government officials from participating in the campaign supporting the 'Yes' vote in the upcoming referendum.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Ali Riaz emphasized that the existing Constitution, the Representation of the People Order (RPO), the July National Charter Implementation Order 2025, or the referendum-related ordinance do not prohibit employees of the Republic from advocating for positive change. He made these remarks while speaking as the chief guest at a divisional views-exchange meeting in Sylhet, aimed at promoting the referendum and motivating voters.
Ali Riaz challenged those who claim there are legal restrictions, describing such claims as having ulterior motives and deliberately creating confusion. He countered moral objections by questioning the type of morality that disregards the sacrifices made during the July mass uprising for people's rights.
The meeting, organized by the Sylhet Divisional Administration at the Sylhet Divisional Sports Complex, was attended by government officials from various levels, as well as representatives from non-governmental organizations. Ali Riaz also criticized perceptions of the current interim government as a caretaker government, asserting its legitimacy from the July uprising and its mandate for reform, justice, and elections.
Addressing concerns about the referendum's novelty, Ali Riaz cited global precedents of government-led 'Yes' campaigns in referendums, asserting the practice as both internationally accepted and legally unobstructed. He dismissed notions that ordinary citizens could not comprehend referendum issues, highlighting the people's historical capacity for political change.
Ali Riaz stressed the responsibility entrusted to the government by those who suffered under previous authoritarian regimes, to evolve an accountable governance system. Highlighting the concentration of power in the Prime Minister's hands, he recalled past constitutional amendment processes, emphasizing the need for the July Charter and referendum to prevent such unilateral authority.
Chief Adviser's Special Assistant Monir Haidar echoed these sentiments, warning of the potential return of fascism if not actively countered. He underlined the referendum's purpose in breaking the cycle of authoritarianism, aiming to fulfill the nation's aspirations from the 1971 Liberation War.
The meeting was chaired by Sylhet Divisional Commissioner Khan Md. Reza-Un-Nabi, with participation from key figures including Religious Affairs Secretary Md. Kamal Uddin and Vice-Chancellor of Shahjalal University of Science and Technology Professor Dr. A.M. Sarwaruddin Chowdhury, alongside other officials and community representatives.