Tick mark is the symbol for referendum: Ali Riaz

Professor Ali Riaz, special assistant to the Chief Adviser (with adviser rank) and chief coordinator of public awareness campaigns on the referendum, said that just as political parties have symbols, the referendum also has a symbol—the tick mark. He urged everyone to vote using this symbol.

He made the remarks as the chief guest at a division-level exchange meeting held on Monday, January 12, at the Dr. Kaiser Rahman Chowdhury Auditorium of Rajshahi Medical College, organised to promote the referendum and encourage voter participation in the Rajshahi division.

Professor Riaz said that the referendum is an important means to give legal, constitutional and institutional validity to fundamental reforms. He added that the Thirteenth National Parliament Constitutional Reform Council will be elected through this referendum.

He posed a question to the public: do people want to see their children die on the streets again, or do they want to establish a corruption-free state system?

Professor Riaz emphasised that Bangladesh is a multidimensional country with differences in religion, race and region. Despite differences of opinion, everyone must unite on the future direction of the state. He stressed that the opportunity presented now should not be wasted.

He clarified confusion regarding the referendum symbol, saying, “Many ask—political parties have symbols, but what is the symbol for the referendum? It is the tick mark. Everyone should vote there.” He expressed optimism that this process will open a path for future progress and transform Bangladesh into a democratic and accountable state.

The meeting was attended by Monir Haidar, special assistant to the Chief Adviser (consensus), as a special guest. The session was chaired by Rajshahi Divisional Commissioner Dr. A.N.M. Bazlur Rashid, with officials from various levels of the Rajshahi divisional administration present.