Rangpur: Special Assistant to the Chief Adviser, Professor Ali Riaz, stated that a referendum will be a primary tool to prevent the resurgence of fascism in Bangladesh’s future. ‘The July National Charter represents a historic agreement between the populace and political entities, and the referendum has been organized to implement this agreement,’ he remarked.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Professor Ali Riaz made these comments while addressing a gathering of government officials at the Shaheed Abu Sayeed Stadium as the chief guest. The event aimed to promote the referendum and motivate voters. Prof. Ali Riaz, also the Chief Coordinator of Public Awareness Campaign Activities related to the referendum, emphasized that despite appearing as mere ink on paper, the July National Charter embodies the sacrifices of the martyrs from the July Uprising.
He stressed that securing a ‘Yes’ vote in the referendum is vital to honor these sacrifices and to facilitate radical reforms within the state. Professor Ali Riaz pointed out that previous ruling groups have exploited constitutional weaknesses to establish fascism, highlighting the urgency to reform the constitutional and state structures.
‘Now is the right time to end this situation and establish a non-discriminatory state structure for the new generation,’ he noted. He clarified that the referendum aims not to elect individuals but to create a permanent system to curb corruption and looting. ‘As a result, any party that comes to power later will be held accountable,’ he added.
Special Assistant to the Chief Adviser Monir Haider, speaking as a special guest, underscored the necessity of implementing the July National Charter to achieve the goals of great independence and prevent misrule. He encouraged citizens to exercise their voting rights while remaining cautious of propaganda.
Secretary of the Ministry of Religious Affairs, Md Kamal Uddin, also addressed the meeting, which was chaired by Rangpur Divisional Commissioner Md Shahidul Islam. Senior officials from the field administration across all eight districts of Rangpur division and representatives of civil society attended the event.