Vote ‘yes’ to curb concentration of power: Prof Ali Riaz

Professor Ali Riaz, special assistant to the chief adviser and chief coordinator of public awareness activities on the 13th national parliamentary election and referendum, has said individual concentration of power cannot be controlled without building strong institutions. He urged voters to ensure victory for the ‘yes’ vote in the upcoming referendum by strengthening constitutional institutions.

He made the remarks as chief guest at a divisional exchange meeting on referendum campaigning and voter motivation at the divisional sports complex in Sylhet on Saturday, January 24.

The meeting was organised by the Sylhet divisional commissioner’s office, with another special assistant to the chief adviser, Monir Haider, present as special guest.

In his speech, Prof Ali Riaz said one individual had repeatedly amended the constitution to suit personal interests and used it as a ladder to seize illegitimate power, depriving people of their voting rights to retain authority through elections.

“There is no alternative to strengthening constitutional institutions to permanently eliminate this fascist system,” he said.

He added that implementing the July Charter through a referendum is not the sole agenda of the interim government but a consensus document achieved after nine months of analysis and review by all political parties. Implementing the charter would repay the debt owed to thousands of students and citizens who sacrificed their lives during the mass uprising of 2024.

On the participation of republic employees in referendum campaigning, Prof Ali Riaz said there is no provision in the Representation of the People Order that prohibits government employees from campaigning in favour of a referendum.

“There are precedents in many countries where governments campaign for referendums. Therefore, republic employees in Bangladesh can also participate without hesitation,” he said.

Referring to rumours that implementing the July Charter would erase the Liberation War and remove ‘Bismillah’ from the constitution, he said the July mass uprising was aimed at building a discrimination-free Bangladesh.

“The goal of the 1971 Liberation War could not be fully realised even after 54 years, which led to the uprising of 2024. The July Charter essentially upholds the spirit of 1971,” he said, calling on everyone to make proper use of this hard-earned opportunity achieved through immense sacrifice and suffering.

Speaking as special guest, Monir Haider said people must choose one side, either ‘yes’ or ‘no’, and understand which choice would free the country from fascism and prevent further loss of lives in the struggle for fundamental rights.

He said many mothers lost their sons while fighting fascism during the 2024 mass uprising and warned that a return of fascism would recreate the same situation. “Ensuring victory for the ‘yes’ vote in the referendum is a moral responsibility to break this cycle,” he said.

The meeting, chaired by Sylhet divisional commissioner Khan Md Reza-un-Nabi, was also addressed by Religious Affairs Secretary Md Kamal Uddin, Shahjalal University of Science and Technology vice-chancellor Prof Dr A M Sarwaruddin Chowdhury, Sylhet Range DIG Md Mushfekur Rahman, Sylhet Metropolitan Police Commissioner Abdul Quddus Chowdhury and barrister Nazir Ahmed.

Officials from government departments across Sylhet division, teachers, religious leaders, NGO representatives, eminent citizens and media professionals were present at the event.