 in Barisal, he emphasized that the vote offers a historic opportunity to establish a transparent and accountable state.){kind=link}
Professor Ali Riaz, Special Assistant to the Chief Adviser, stated on Sunday that the upcoming national referendum will serve as the primary roadmap for the country’s future. Speaking at a conference of over 1,200 religious leaders (Imams) in Barisal, he emphasized that the vote offers a historic opportunity to establish a transparent and accountable state.
“The people are the true owners of this nation,” Riaz told the gathering at Bells Park. He explained that while citizens will continue to vote for individual candidates in general elections, this referendum is designed to set the foundational principles of how any future government must operate. He argued that the previous 54 years failed to produce a truly accountable system, and the “July Charter”—born from the recent mass uprising—must now guide the nation away from fascist governance.
Monir Haider, Special Assistant to the Chief Adviser (Consensus), urged the religious community to counter misinformation spread by the ousted regime. He warned that the referendum’s success is vital to preventing the return of “mafia-style” politics. Religious Affairs Secretary Md. Kamal Uddin added that scholars and Imams, who faced systemic persecution over the last 16 years, must now lead the charge in educating voters about this democratic milestone.
The event, chaired by Barisal Divisional Commissioner Md. Mahfuzur Rahman, marks the beginning of a nationwide campaign to mobilize voters. Senior police officials and Islamic Foundation directors also attended, reinforcing the government’s call for a multi-party, inclusive participation to ensure national stability and justice.