Majority reject return to old regime, support reforms: Ali Riaz

Professor Ali Riaz, special assistant to the Chief Adviser, said Bangladeshis have clearly expressed through the July national referendum that they do not wish to return to the old governance system or maintain the status quo, but instead seek fundamental reforms.

He made the remarks at a press conference held at the Foreign Service Academy in Dhaka on Saturday (February 14).

Highlighting the details regarding referendum in the 13th national election, Riaz said that the February 12 referendum saw a decisive voter turnout.

"According to Election Commission figures, 7,76,95,023 voters participated—about 60.84% of the electorate. Of these, 4,82,66,000 voted “Yes,” representing 68.06% of votes cast, while 22,071,726 voted “No” (31%)," he said.

Riaz noted that voter turnout in the referendum exceeded that of the recent parliamentary elections by over one percentage point. He emphasised that national transformation cannot occur through unilateral decisions or single leadership; the legitimacy of change comes from the people. The referendum provided citizens a direct opportunity to shape the country’s future direction, and the outcome reflected strong public support for reforms.