Bangladesh at critical juncture, referendum and national unity needed to move forward: Ali Riaz

Ali Riaz, special assistant to the chief adviser, said Bangladesh is currently at a critical juncture and needs a referendum and national unity to move forward. He also described the July National Charter as a recognised debt written in the blood of the people.

He made the remarks at a discussion meeting at the Senate Building of Dhaka University on Tuesday morning.

Ali Riaz said it is essential to establish public opinion through a referendum to ensure entry into government jobs based on merit and competence. He added that there is no alternative to the July National Charter to ensure minimum voting rights.

Referring to the judiciary, he said it has so far remained limited to paper only, stressing that constitutional amendments are necessary to make the judiciary truly independent.

Ali Riaz clarified that the government led by Dr Muhammad Yunus is not a caretaker government but an interim government. He said those describing it as a caretaker government are offering an incorrect interpretation.

Emphasising that the responsibility of building the country’s future lies with the people, he said the public must be shown a clear roadmap. He added that the July National Charter is essential to ensure that no individual’s will can ever again destroy the fundamental rights of the country.