No Prime Minister for over 10 years if ‘Yes’ wins: Ali Riaz

Dr Ali Riaz, Special Assistant to the Chief Adviser (with adviser rank), has urged voters to cast a ‘Yes’ vote in the upcoming referendum, saying that it would establish a system where no one could serve as prime minister for more than ten consecutive years.

He made the remarks on Thursday (January 22) morning while addressing a discussion meeting on the upcoming referendum and voter mobilisation at the Khulna Divisional Auditorium. The meeting was chaired by Khulna Divisional Commissioner Mokhtar Ahmed.

Ali Riaz said, “Many ask who the candidate for ‘Yes’ is. The candidate is you, me—we all are. ‘Yes’ will give us a democratic and humane Bangladesh, fulfilling the aspirations of the July mass uprising.”

He added, “Casting your vote for ‘Yes’ in the upcoming referendum will open the door to building a new Bangladesh. Vote ‘Yes’ yourselves, encourage others, and bring them to the polling station. The responsibility to change the country now rests with all of us.”

Ali Riaz said that a nation long crushed under fascism no longer wants any form of autocracy or misrule. People desire a state where there is no fear of enforced disappearances or arrest under fabricated cases—the very dream envisioned by the great freedom fighters, for which students and citizens sacrificed their lives during the July mass uprising.

He added, “The July mass uprising is a unique achievement in the nation’s history. It provided a historic opportunity to establish democracy, justice and human rights in the country.” With this objective in mind, some reforms have already been implemented.

Highlighting the need for deeper and far-reaching reforms, Ali Riaz said that this is why the July Charter was drafted with the consensus of all political parties. Direct approval from the people is required to implement this charter, and the referendum has been organised for that purpose.

Explaining the significance of a ‘Yes’ vote, he said that it would ensure that the government and opposition work together in forming the caretaker government and the Election Commission. The ruling government will not be able to amend the constitution at will; the consent of the people will be required for significant constitutional changes. The deputy speaker and heads of key parliamentary committees will be elected from the opposition, a single individual cannot serve as prime minister for more than ten years, and the judiciary will be able to function independently.