Professor Ali Riaz, Special Assistant to the Chief Adviser, said the upcoming referendum is the most effective and legitimate means to determine the country’s future state system.
Addressing a voter mobilisation and awareness meeting on Thursday at Khulna Divisional Commissioner’s Office auditorium, organised by Khulna divisional administration, Ali Riaz said the key to national progress lies in the hands of the people.
“If we want to reform the state and establish equality and dignity, we must vote ‘Yes’ in the referendum,” he said, noting that the referendum symbol is the tick mark.
Referring to the July National Charter 2025, Ali Riaz said it reflects the aspirations of the people of Bangladesh.
“Although printed in black ink, the charter has essentially been written in blood,” he said, emphasising that while many may not have directly participated in the sacrifices of the July movement, it is their responsibility to recognise and endorse the charter through the referendum.
He described the referendum as the most appropriate mechanism for shaping the future governance structure of the country.
While the interim government will remain neutral in the national election, he clarified that it stands in favour of a ‘Yes’ vote in the referendum.
He also noted that under the constitution, public servants are not barred from campaigning in favour of the referendum.
Special guest Monir Haider, Special Assistant to the Chief Adviser on consensus-building, said the core objective of the July mass uprising was to establish a fascism-free and discrimination-free society.
He described the referendum as a public test of support for a “New Bangladesh” and a new political settlement.
“The referendum is meant to permanently block the path of fascism,” Haider said, adding that constitutional loopholes had previously allowed authoritarianism to take root.
“The mass uprising freed us from the machinery of fascism. The referendum will determine how the New Bangladesh will be shaped,” he said, adding that a verdict in favour of the July National Charter would constitutionally close the door to fascism.
The meeting was presided over by Khulna Divisional Commissioner Md Mokhtar Ahmed.
Special guests included Khulna University of Engineering and Technology (KUET) Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr Md Maksud Helali, Khulna Range Deputy Inspector General of Police Md Rezaul Haque and Metropolitan Police Commissioner Md Zahidul Hasan.
District commissioners from all 10 districts of Khulna division, along with officials at divisional, district and upazila levels, election-related officials, representatives from chambers of commerce, teachers and students, civil society members, NGO representatives and journalists, attended the meeting.
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