Professor Ali Riaz, Special Assistant to the Chief Adviser and Chief Coordinator of public awareness campaign on the upcoming national referendum, on Wednesday urged citizens to vote “yes” in the referendum, saying it is essential to build a new, equitable Bangladesh.
Speaking at a divisional-level Imam conference held at Abu Saeed Stadium in Rangpur to promote the referendum and encourage voter participation, he said the choice between “yes” and “no” will determine the kind of Bangladesh the younger generation will inherit.
“A ‘yes’ vote will give the youth a new Bangladesh free from discrimination,” he added.
Professor Riaz highlighted the historical significance of the July National Charter, saying, “Although the July Charter was written in ink, it was essentially written with the blood of those martyred in July uprising. To implement this charter, people must vote ‘Yes’ in the referendum.”
He clarified that the referendum is not about voting for any individual or political party.
“If the people vote ‘yes,’ no party will have the power to block necessary reforms. For sixteen years, public funds have been plundered and a ‘yes’ vote will curb much of this corruption and mismanagement,” he said.
Warning about future challenges, Professor Riaz said, “We must remain vigilant to ensure that fascism does not rise again in Bangladesh. The referendum is one of the key tools for this vigilance.”
The conference was attended by Monir Haider, Special Assistant to the Chief Adviser, along with senior officials from the administration.
SH
