Prof Ali Riaz, Special Assistant to the Chief Adviser, on Thursday said the key to the nation’s success rests with the country’s people.

Speaking at a consultation meeting organised by the Khulna Divisional Administration at the Divisional Commissioner’s Office auditorium, Prof Riaz emphasised the importance of public participation in the referendum and voter mobilisation.

Ali Riaz, also the chief coordinator of the public awareness campaign team on the upcoming referendum, urged people to vote ‘Yes’ in the referendum to reform the country and establish equality and dignity, marking their ballots with a tick.

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Ali Riaz highlighted that the July National Charter 2025 reflects the aspirations of people.  “Although this charter is printed in black ink, its true meaning has been written in blood. While we may not have contributed with our blood, it is our responsibility to recognise the July National Charter 2025.”

He said the referendum is the best mechanism to determine the future system of government, and even though the interim government remains neutral in national elections, it supports the ‘Yes’ vote in the referendum.

According to the constitution, he said, public servants face no restrictions in campaigning for the ‘Yes’ vote.

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At the event, Special Guest Monir Haider, Special Assistant (Consensus) to the Chief Adviser, said the main aim of the 2024 mass uprising was to create a fascism-free and inequality-free society.

“This referendum serves to gauge public support for a new Bangladesh and a new settlement. Voting in favour of the July National Charter will constitutionally block the path of fascism,” he added.

Presided over by Khulna Divisional Commissioner Md Mokhtar Ahmed, the meeting was addressed, among others, by Prof Dr Md Maksud Helali, Vice-Chancellor of Khulna University of Engineering & Technology, Range DIG Md Rezaul Haque, and Metropolitan Police Commissioner Md Zahidul Hasan.

Officials from all 10 districts of Khulna Division, including district, divisional, and upazila-level officers, election officials, representatives from the Chamber of Commerce, teachers and students from schools and colleges, civil society members, NGO representatives and media personnel, attended the consultation meeting.