Chief Adviser’s Special Assistant Professor Ali Riaz on Saturday urged political parties to implement constitutional reforms in line with the referendum verdict, noting that the overwhelming “Yes” vote reflects a clear mandate from the people.
“The citizens of Bangladesh gave, in a clear and unequivocal manner, their verdict for the constitutional reform proposals contained in the July National Charter,” Prof Riaz said.
He added, “The verdict demonstrates that a large majority of citizens do not wish to return to the old system or maintain the status quo. Instead, they want change and reform in state structure.”
Prof Riaz made the remarks at a press briefing at the Foreign Service Academy this morning.
Noting that responsibility for implementing the public mandate now rests with political parties, he said all parties are committed to state reform. He called on the ruling party-elect, parties to be represented in parliament and the Constitutional Reform Council, as well as parties outside parliament, to ensure implementation of the referendum verdict through dialogue and unity.
Prof Riaz also urged political parties to continue respecting differing opinions, tolerance, and the tradition of compromise demonstrated during discussions at the National Consensus Commission.
“The verdict represents recognition of the responsibility entrusted to us by those who gave their lives, were injured, and fought fearlessly during the July–August mass uprising in 2024. It reflects the people’s commitment to fulfilling that responsibility,” he said.
Referring to nearly 16 years marked by bloodshed, repression, and the cries of the persecuted, Prof Riaz said the referendum expressed the people’s aspiration to establish an institutional framework to prevent such suffering from recurring.
“The responsibility of implementing the people-endorsed document, drafted by the political parties themselves, now lies on you,” he added, addressing political parties directly. He also called on civil society to support and advance the process.
Addressing young people in particular, he urged them to take the lead in building the future Bangladesh.
On voter turnout, Prof Riaz emphasised that the referendum result should not be viewed merely in numerical terms. He expressed gratitude to all who contributed to the awareness campaign, specifically mentioning the families of the July martyrs, July fighters, July political detainees, the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement, Sushashoner Jonno Nagorik (SUJAN), groups advocating for raising the age limit for government jobs, and general students who actively organised and campaigned in support of the referendum.
He also thanked media professionals and journalists for creating public awareness and expressed appreciation for critics of the referendum process, noting that all voices—positive and negative—are essential to a democratic society.
Prof Riaz congratulated the newly elected Members of Parliament and their respective political parties, as well as the public for participating in large numbers in what he described as a genuine election, thereby overcoming conspiracies and fears of violence.
Responding to a question on whether the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) would implement all reforms in the July Charter, Prof Riaz said he hoped the party would respect the people’s mandate, citing its previous record on major reform initiatives.
Shafiqul Alam, Chief Adviser’s Press Secretary, and Mohammad Abul Kalam Azad Majumder, Deputy Press Secretary, were present at the briefing.
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