Referendum will decide future state structure: Ali Riaz

A mandate of the voters through the upcoming referendum on the July Charter is essential for determining Bangladesh's future state structure and fully establishing democracy, Special Assistant to the Chief Adviser Professor Ali Riaz said today (12 January).

Speaking at a conference of Imams from Rajshahi division at Hazrat Shah Makhdum Eidgah, Ali Riaz said the referendum will decide how the state will operate and how key institutions, including the judiciary, the Election Commission (EC), and the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC), will function independently.

"The mandate of the people is indispensable for determining how the state will operate and how independent institutions will function. That is why voters should cast a 'Yes' vote in the referendum," he said.

Ali Riaz noted that while political parties differed on the signing of the July Charter, they were unanimous on holding the referendum.

"The referendum provides a historic opportunity to seek the direct opinion of the people," he said.

Reflecting on previous elections, he added that people always wanted to vote freely, but the process has often been obstructed.

"If the people endorse the fundamental structure of state operation, future governments will be compelled to function according to the people's will," he said.

The event was organised by the district administration and the Islamic Foundation to promote the referendum and encourage voter participation.

Chaired by Director General of the Islamic Foundation Abdus Salam Khan, the event was addressed by Chief Adviser's Special Assistant (Consensus) Monir Haider, Rajshahi Division Commissioner Dr ASNM Bazlur Rashid, DIG of Rajshahi Police Dr Muhammad Shahjahan, and Rajshahi Police Commissioner Dr Zillur Rahman.