Ali Riaz, special assistant to the chief adviser, has said that the recommendation to form an upper house of the legislature aims to establish a balance of the state power.
He said that if the public endorses the proposal in the upcoming referendum, every vote will gain representation in the legislature, alongside significant changes in the constitutional amendment process and the presidential election system.
He made the remarks on Wednesday while addressing a views-exchange meeting at Shaheed Abu Sayed Stadium in Rangpur as the chief guest. The event was held as part of campaigns to encourage voter participation ahead of the referendum.
Ali Riaz said the current constitutional arrangement grants extensive authority to the prime minister, who serves as head of government, leader of parliament, and party chief.
Concentration of power, he argued, provides opportunities for ruling parties to adopt authoritarian tendencies.
He added that the July Charter proposes limiting any one individual to a maximum of 10 years as prime minister, reforming appointment processes for key commissions, and increasing opposition representation on parliamentary committees related to financial institutions.
Riaz, who serves as the chief coordinator of the government’s referendum campaign, urged voters to support what he described as a “balanced governance system and good governance,” noting that the referendum ballot would feature a pink ballot paper with a tick symbol.
Speaking as special guest, Monir Haidar said that those opposing the July Charter are supporting “fascist tendencies,” alleging that a previous government created an oppressive system within a constitutional framework over 16 years.
He said structural flaws in the constitution left the country “hostage” repeatedly and claimed those opposing the referendum seek to restore that situation.
Haidar added that “organised misinformation campaigns” were being spread against the July Charter and the referendum. He instructed officials to raise awareness among the public and counter what he described as disinformation with verified information.
Religious Affairs Secretary Md Kamal Uddin said that political institutions in Bangladesh had not developed adequately, causing civil servants to face repeated challenges and loss of institutional dignity.
In his concluding remarks, Divisional Commissioner Md Shahidul Islam said Bangladesh must work towards becoming a welfare state and urged officials to encourage public participation in the referendum within their respective jurisdictions.
Rangpur Divisional Commissioner Md Shahidul Islam chaired the event, while Special Assistant to the Chief Adviser (consensus) Monir Haidar, Religious Affairs Secretary Md Kamal Uddin, DIG of Bangladesh Police (Rangpur Range) Aminul Islam, and Rangpur Metropolitan Police Commissioner Md Majid Ali were present at the event.
The meeting was organised by the Rangpur Divisional Administration with participation from deputy commissioners, superintendents of police, and officials from district and upazila-level government offices across the division, along with local journalists and civil society representatives.
