‘Yes’ Vote is for a Democratic Bangladesh, Says Professor Ali Riaz

Professor Ali Riaz, Special Assistant to the Chief Advisor, has described the "Yes" vote in the upcoming referendum as a collective commitment to a democratic and humanistic Bangladesh.

Speaking as the chief guest at a view-exchange meeting in the Khulna Divisional Auditorium on Thursday, Professor Riaz addressed the public's curiosity about who the "Yes" candidate is. "The candidate for 'Yes' is all of us," he stated. "A 'Yes' vote is a gift of a new Bangladesh, fulfilling the aspirations of the July mass uprising."

The referendum centers on the July National Charter 2025, a consensus-based document designed to prevent the return of fascism. Professor Riaz explained that the Charter introduces several landmark reforms.

No individual can serve as Prime Minister for more than 10 years (two terms).

The Deputy Speaker and chairpersons of key parliamentary committees will be elected from the opposition.

A new framework to ensure the judiciary functions without executive interference.

Future governments will no longer be able to change the constitution unilaterally without public consent.

Dr. Riaz emphasized that the new system aims to eliminate the fear of state-sponsored disappearances and arbitrary arrests. "This nation, crushed by fascism, wants an enlightened future of equality and joy," he said, urging voters to motivate others to reach polling stations.

Special Guest Monir Haider, Special Assistant (Consensus Building), added that the referendum provides a historic opportunity to realize the 54-year-old dream of a discrimination-free homeland. He highlighted the urgent need to stop economic looting, citing reports that 2.25 lakh crore taka was laundered out of the country over the last 16 years.

The meeting, presided over by Khulna Divisional Commissioner Md.