Campaigning for ‘Yes’ vote ahead of 12 Feb referendum not a legal offence: Ali Riaz
This campaign is being carried out after reviewing the opinions of legal experts.
Campaigning in favour of a 'Yes' vote or encouraging people to support it in the upcoming 12 February referendum is not a legal offence, said Prof Ali Riaz, special assistant to the chief adviser, today (15 January).
"According to the Constitution and existing laws, everyone—from government employees to ordinary citizens—has the full right to speak in favour of this reform proposal. This campaign is being carried out after reviewing the opinions of legal experts," he said while addressing imams and Islamic scholars at an Imam Conference in Chattogram.
Ali Riaz also dismissed claims that the word Bismillah has been removed from the "July National Charter" or that the history of the 1971 Liberation War has been erased, describing such allegations as baseless propaganda.
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"There is no mention anywhere in the charter about removing the history of the Liberation War, nor is there any reference to excluding Bismillah. Those spreading such misinformation are either misinformed or deliberately engaging in falsehood," he said.
He explained that the charter, prepared in light of the sacrifices made during the July–August 2024 mass uprising, serves as a guideline for building a future Bangladesh.
"This is not a document designed to place any individual in power. Rather, it aims to bring fundamental changes to the state structure and ensure the rights of the people," he added.
Ali Riaz further said that on the day of the referendum, voters will receive a pink-coloured ballot paper for the reform proposal, on which they will cast their 'Yes' vote by placing a tick mark. A separate white ballot paper will be used the same day for the parliamentary election.
Calling the process historic, he urged people from all walks of life to participate actively and contribute to shaping a new Bangladesh.
The event was also attended by Special Assistant to the Chief Adviser Monir Haidar, Secretary of the Ministry of Religious Affairs Md Kamal Uddin, Chattogram Divisional Commissioner Ziauddin, and Chattogram Range DIG Ahsan Habib Polash.
