RANGPUR, Jan 14, 2026 (BSS) – Special Assistant to the Chief Adviser Professor Ali Riaz said that a referendum will be one of the main tools to ensure that fascism does not rise again in Bangladesh in the future.

“The July National Charter is essentially a historic agreement between the people and political parties, and the referendum has been organized to implement this agreement,” he said.

He made the remarks while addressing a meeting with government officials at the Shaheed Abu Sayeed Stadium in the district this afternoon as the chief guest, aimed at promoting the referendum and motivating voters.

Prof. Ali Riaz, also the Chief Coordinator of Public Awareness Campaign Activities related to the referendum, said that although the July National Charter appears to be written in black ink on paper, every letter of it is written with the blood of the martyrs of the July Uprising.

He emphasized that winning a ‘Yes’ vote in the referendum is crucial to honor this sacrifice and ensure radical reforms in the state.

Highlighting the need for constitutional and state reforms, Professor Ali Riaz said that various ruling groups in the past have exploited constitutional weaknesses to establish fascism.

“Now is the right time to end this situation and establish a non-discriminatory state structure for the new generation,” he added.

He also clarified that the referendum does not elect any individual. Instead, it will establish a permanent system to prevent corruption and looting.

“As a result, any party that comes to power later will be held accountable,” he said.

Speaking as a special guest, Special Assistant to the Chief Adviser Monir Haider said that implementing the July National Charter is essential to achieve the desired goal of great independence and prevent the recurrence of misrule.

He urged people to exercise their right to vote while remaining vigilant against propaganda.

Secretary of the Ministry of Religious Affairs Md Kamal Uddin also delivered a speech as a special guest at the meeting, which was presided over by Rangpur Divisional Commissioner Md Shahidul Islam.

Senior officials of the field administration from all eight districts of Rangpur division and representatives of civil society were present at the event.