Ali Riaz Urges Parties to Honor Referendum Mandate for Constitutional Reform

Chief Adviser’s Special Assistant Ali Riaz on Friday urged political parties to implement constitutional reforms in line with the referendum verdict, saying the overwhelming “Yes” vote reflects a clear public mandate for change.

“The citizens of Bangladesh have given a clear and unequivocal verdict in favor of the constitutional reform proposals in the July National Charter,” he said. “They do not want a return to the old system or the status quo. They want reform.”

Riaz made the remarks at a press briefing at the Foreign Service Academy in Dhaka.

He said responsibility for carrying out the public mandate now rests with political parties, adding that all parties have pledged to pursue state reform. He called on the ruling party-elect, parties set to enter parliament, the Constitutional Reform Council, and those outside parliament to work together through dialogue and unity to implement the referendum outcome.

Riaz also urged parties to uphold respect for differing views, tolerance, and compromise—principles he said were demonstrated during talks at the National Consensus Commission.

He said the referendum honors those who were killed, injured, or fought during the July–August 2024 mass uprising. “It reflects the people’s commitment to ensure such suffering is never repeated,” he said, noting that the vote followed nearly 16 years marked by repression and violence.

“The responsibility to implement this people-endorsed document—drafted by political parties themselves—now lies with you,” he said, addressing party leaders directly.

Riaz called on civil society to support the reform process and urged young people to take a leading role in shaping Bangladesh’s future. He also cautioned against viewing voter turnout figures only in numerical terms, saying the result reflects a deeper public resolve for reform.

He thanked groups that supported the referendum campaign, including families of the July martyrs, injured protesters, political detainees, the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement, Sushashoner Jonno Nagorik, student groups, and campaigners for raising the age limit for government jobs.

Riaz also praised media professionals for raising public awareness and welcomed criticism of the referendum process, saying diverse views are essential in a democratic society.

He congratulated newly elected members of parliament and their parties, and thanked voters for participating in what he described as a credible election after a long gap, despite fears of violence.

Asked whether Bangladesh Nationalist Party would implement all reforms in the July Charter, Riaz said he hoped the party would respect the people’s mandate, noting its past record of pursuing major reform initiatives.

Chief Adviser’s Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam and Deputy Press Secretary Mohammad Abul Kalam Azad Majumder were also present at the briefing.