Chief Adviser’s Special Assistant Ali Riaz has described the July National Charter as a pact between the people of Bangladesh and the country’s political parties.
He mentions 30 political parties took part in continuous discussions over nine months to draft its agenda.
“The responsibility to implement this pact also rests with the political parties. This is not something to be imposed. It will realise the dreams of countless martyrs,” he added.
Speaking at a roundtable titled ‘Peaceful Elections and Violence Prevention: Lessons from Field Experiences’ on Wednesday, Professor Riaz emphasised that the public uprising has delivered a verdict, justice must prevail in Bangladesh.
Those responsible for wrongdoing must face trial. The verdict ensures that no one can establish fascist or feudal rules, while power must be balanced and accountability ensured.
He underlined that the people’s voting rights must be respected, and elections are essential to realise this.
“If we want justice, reform, and a new democratic political system, there is no alternative to elections. The power of referendum, elections, and constitutional reform rests entirely with the people,” he said.
Riaz further noted that the student community and citizens have sacrificed their lives to free the nation from fascist suppression.
“Now, we are on the path of democratic transformation. We must strengthen democracy so that everyone feels they own this state. On 12 February, we must exercise our right to vote freely and independently, and vote ‘Yes’ in the referendum,” he said.
He called on citizens to unite and work towards building a prosperous, egalitarian, humane, and justice-based Bangladesh. “For this, everyone must campaign for a ‘Yes’ vote on the 12th,” he added.
The event was hosted by the Bangladesh Enterprise Institute at the Lakeshore Hotel, Dhaka.
Bangladeshi diplomat and a former ambassador of Bangladesh to the United States, and Nepal, and a former high commissioner to Australia M Humayun Kabir delivered the welcome address.
Distinguished fellow and former Ambassador Farooq Sobhan spoke at the event, while survey findings were presented by Chowdhury Samiul Haque.
Representatives from various professions, organisations, and political parties attended the discussion.
