We are all the ‘Yes’ candidate, says Ali Riaz

Professor Ali Riaz Special Assistant to the Chief Adviser, told a town hall meeting on Thursday that every citizen represents the “Yes” candidate in the upcoming referendum, as a positive vote will secure a democratic and humanitarian future for the nation.

“People often ask who the ‘Yes’ candidate is. I say—you, I, and all of us are the candidates for ‘Yes’,” Riaz said while addressing the divisional auditorium in Khulna as the chief guest. He argued that a “Yes” vote would fulfil the aspirations of the July mass uprising and open the doors to building a “New Bangladesh.”

Ali Riaz urged attendees to not only vote themselves but also to inspire their neighbours and acquaintances to reach the polling centres. He emphasised that the nation, long oppressed by fascism, seeks an enlightened future free from the fear of enforced disappearances and “ghost cases” (fictitious legal charges).

The Special Assistant explained the significance of the “July Charter,” a reform document drafted through a consensus of political parties. He noted that the referendum seeks direct public mandates to implement these far-reaching reforms. According to Riaz, a victory for the “Yes” campaign would ensure:

Political Balance: The government and opposition will collaborate to form the caretaker government and the Election Commission.

Constitutional Safeguards: The ruling party can no longer amend the constitution at will; significant changes will require public consent.

Opposition Empowerment: The Deputy Speaker and chairpersons of key parliamentary committees will come from the opposition.

Term Limits: No individual can serve as Prime Minister for more than 10 years.

Judicial Independence: The judiciary will function without interference to ensure justice for all.

Special guest Monir Haider, also a Special Assistant to the Chief Adviser, remarked that a “Yes” victory would permanently block the path for fascism, which had previously exploited constitutional weaknesses. He referenced a recent commission report led by Debapriya Bhattacharya, which found that over Tk2.25 trillion was laundered out of the country over the last 16 years.

“This is the people’s money,” Haider said. “We must vote ‘Yes’ to end the empire of economic looting.”

Khulna Divisional Commissioner Md Mokhtar Ahmed presided over the exchange of views, which included Khulna Range DIG Md Rezaul Haque and KUET Vice-Chancellor Prof Maksud Helali. Senior officials from all 10 districts of the Khulna division attended the event to discuss voter motivation and referendum logistics.