Professor Dr. Ali Riaz, Special  Assistant to the Chief Adviser, spoke as the chief guest at a meeting titled  "Public Awareness Campaign on the Referendum-2026" held at the Senate Building of RU. Photo: BSS

RAJSHAHI, Feb 2, 2026 (BSS)- The "July National Charter" is not merely a 
document, it is a roadmap for Bangladesh's future, as it has been written in 
exchange for the blood of young people, said Professor Dr. Ali Riaz, Special 
Assistant to the Chief Adviser.
 
He stated that through the implementation of this charter, the foundation of 
an accountable and democratic system of governance will be further 
strengthened. 

He made these remarks as the chief guest at an exchange meeting titled 
"Public Awareness Campaign on the Referendum-2026" held at the Senate 
Building of Rajshahi University (RU).
 
Prof Ali Riaz said Bangladesh's youth continue their struggle with the goal 
of ensuring that future generations can live in an accountable democratic 
state system. The referendum, he noted, is an important part of that ongoing 
struggle.
 
There is nothing in the referendum that ordinary people would fail to 
understand; rather, the people of the country are ready to say "Yes" in the 
referendum, he added.

If around 150,000 university-level students in the Rajshahi division campaign 
in favour of the referendum over the next seven days and take responsibility 
for mobilising "yes" votes, it would be highly effective.

To ensure equal opportunities in government employment, the Public Service 
Commission (PSC) must be made independent within the constitutional framework 
through the referendum, he continued. 

At the same time, he alleged that over the past 16 years, the Anti-Corruption 
Commission had been turned into a tool for suppressing opposition parties. 

He emphasized that implementing the July National Charter is essential to 
establish an independent and effective Anti-Corruption Commission.
 
Teachers and students of the university, representatives from various 
professions, and workers involved with the referendum were present at the 
exchange meeting. 

The objectives, importance, and future impact of the referendum were 
discussed in detail, and participants were urged to play an active role in 
raising public awareness.

Prof Ali Riaz called on all concerned to carry out the campaign out of a 
sense of duty and responsibility to those who lost their lives in July, 
adding, "People should act on their own initiative instead of waiting for 
government directives."
 
Rajshahi University Vice-Chancellor (VC) Saleh Hasan Naqib, along with 
teachers, senior administrators, RUCSU representatives and students, also 
spoke at the event.