A national referendum will be one of the most important safeguards against the re-emergence of fascism in Bangladesh, according to Ali Riaz, Special Assistant to the Chief Adviser and Chief Coordinator of the government’s public awareness campaign on the referendum.
Speaking at a meeting with government officials at Shaheed Abu Sayeed Stadium in Rangpur on Thursday afternoon, Ali Riaz said the referendum has been organised to implement the July National Charter, which he described as a historic agreement between the people and the country’s political parties.
He said the charter represents more than a written document, stressing that it symbolises the sacrifices made during the July Uprising. According to Ali Riaz, every word of the charter reflects the bloodshed endured by those who lost their lives during the movement.
Addressing the gathering, he said securing a “Yes” vote in the referendum is essential to honour the martyrs and to ensure sweeping reforms in the state structure. He added that constitutional and institutional weaknesses have repeatedly been exploited by past ruling groups, enabling the rise of authoritarian rule.
Ali Riaz said the current moment offers a rare opportunity to end this cycle and establish a non-discriminatory and accountable state system for future generations. He emphasised that the referendum is not intended to bring any individual or political party to power.
Instead, he said, it seeks to create a permanent governance framework that would curb corruption, prevent the looting of public resources and ensure accountability for any government that comes to office in the future.
Speaking as a special guest, Special Assistant to the Chief Adviser Monir Haider said that implementing the July National Charter is necessary to fulfil the true meaning of independence and to prevent the return of misrule. He urged citizens to exercise their right to vote while remaining vigilant against propaganda and misinformation.
Secretary of the Ministry of Religious Affairs Md Kamal Uddin also addressed the meeting as a special guest. The programme was presided over by Rangpur Divisional Commissioner Md Shahidul Islam.
Senior officials from field administrations across all eight districts of Rangpur division, along with representatives from civil society, were present at the event, which focused on promoting public awareness and encouraging voter participation in the upcoming referendum.
