Professor Ali Riaz, Special Assistant to the Chief Adviser, has described the upcoming national referendum as a historic opportunity to ensure that Bangladesh does not slide back into what he termed a fascist system of governance. He said the referendum would play a decisive role in shaping the country’s future political direction. Addressing a virtual meeting involving around 17,000 officers and field-level officials of the agriculture department, Prof Riaz stressed the importance of public awareness about the referendum. He urged government officials to clearly explain the significance of the vote to citizens, describing it as a straightforward choice that would determine the nature of governance in the coming years.

Referring to past political struggles, including the July uprising and developments over the last 16 years, Prof Riaz said these sacrifices had placed a responsibility on the current generation to safeguard democratic values. He called on officials to use their grassroots reach to ensure people understand why the referendum matters.

Another Special Assistant to the Chief Adviser, Monir Haidar, also addressed the meeting and highlighted the need for major reforms in governance and constitutional arrangements. He said broad public participation in the referendum was essential to prevent any regression and to strengthen democratic institutions.

Officials said various measures were being taken to raise awareness, including distributing leaflets, installing banners and using regional media platforms. Agriculture Secretary Dr Mohammad Emdad Ullah Mian noted that the ministry’s nationwide network would be actively involved in spreading information and engaging citizens ahead of the vote.

The referendum is being projected by the interim administration as a defining moment for Bangladesh, with authorities urging voters to make informed decisions that will influence the country’s political and governance framework for years to come. 

Disclaimer: This image is taken from Barta24.