Ali Riaz, chief coordinator of the public awareness campaign on the referendum, has urged political parties to implement the massive public support for constitutional reforms into concrete action.
Speaking at a press briefing on Saturday morning at the Foreign Service Academy in Dhaka, Ali Riaz emphasised that the referendum results should serve as a basis for political decision-making, not merely as public opinion.
“The clear public mandate in favour of reforms now rests on political forces to implement,” he said.
Highlighting ongoing commitments by various political parties toward state reform, Ali Riaz called for coordinated discussions among the ruling party, parliamentary opposition, stakeholders involved in the constitutional reform process, and political forces outside parliament.
“Consensus is essential if the message of the referendum is to be turned into tangible outcomes,” he added.
He also stressed the importance of tolerance and compromise, which political parties demonstrated during the national consensus discussions. He urged citizens, particularly the youth, to play an active role in shaping the nation’s future.
Official figures show that over 1,76, 95, 023 voters participated in the 12 February referendum, representing approximately 60.8 percent of total registered voters.
Of these, 4,82,00,660 (68.06 percent) voted in favour of the reforms, while 2,20,71,726 (31 percent) voted against.
Voter turnout exceeded that of the recent national parliamentary elections by over one percent.
“The people have made it clear that they do not want to return to the old system or maintain the status quo-they want change, reform, and modernisation of the state,” Ali Riaz said.
He added that the referendum also honours those who sacrificed their lives or were injured during the August 2024 mass uprising, reinforcing the citizens’ responsibility in shaping the nation’s democratic future.
Ali Riaz also congratulated the newly elected Members of Parliament on their victory in the just held 13th National Parliamentary Election, praising the role of voters in ensuring broad participation after a long period.
The press briefing was attended by Monir Haidar, special assistant to the Chief Advisor, Chief Advisor’s Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam, and several other officials.
