Ali Riaz urges parties to honour referendum mandate at Foreign Service Academy briefing this morning. Photo : PID

DHAKA, Feb 14, 2026 (BSS) – Chief Adviser's Special Assistant Professor Ali Riaz today urged the political parties to implement the reforms showing respect to the referendum verdict, noting the overwhelming ‘Yes’ vote in the referendum reflects clear people’s mandate for reform.

“The citizens of Bangladesh gave, in a clear and unequivocal manner, their verdict for the constitutional reform proposals contained in the July National Charter,” he said. 

Prof Riaz added: “The verdict demonstrates that a large majority of citizens do not wish to return to the old system or maintain the status quo. Instead, they want change and reform in state structure”.

He made the remarks at a press briefing at the Foreign Service Academy here this morning.

Noting that responsibility for implementing the clear public mandate for reform now rests with the political parties, Prof Riaz said all political parties are committed to state reform.

He called on the ruling party-elect, parties to be representing in parliament and the Constitutional Reform Council, as well as parties outside parliament, to ensure implementation of the referendum verdict through dialogue and unity.

Prof Riaz also urged political parties to continue the respect for differing opinions, tolerance, and tradition of compromise that was demonstrated during discussions at the National Consensus Commission. 

“The verdict represents recognition of the responsibility entrusted to us by those who gave their lives, were injured, and fought fearlessly during the July–August mass uprising in 2024. It reflects the people’s commitment to fulfilling that responsibility,” he said. 

Following the nearly 16 years marked by bloodshed, repression, and the cries of the persecuted, Prof Riaz said the referendum expressed a people’s aspiration for forming an institutional framework so that such suffering is never repeated.

“The responsibility of implementing the people-endorsed document, drafted by the political parties themselves, now lies on you,” he said referring to the political parties.

Prof Riaz also called on civil society to support and advance the process.

Addressing young people in particular, he urged them to take the lead in building the future Bangladesh.

Referring to the figures of voter turnout in the referendum, Prof Riaz stressed that the referendum result should not be viewed merely in numerical terms. 

He expressed gratitude to all for extending the wide-ranging support during the awareness campaign on referendum. 

Prof Riaz specially mentioned the families of the July martyrs, July fighters, July political detainees, the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement, Sushashoner Jonno Nagorik (SUJAN), groups advocating for increasing the age limit for government jobs, and general students, saying, they took the initiative to organize and campaign actively in support of the referendum.

He also thanked media professionals and journalists for their efforts in creating public awareness about the referendum and expressed appreciation for those who criticized the procedures and methods of the referendum, stating that all voices—positive and negative—are essential elements of a democratic society.

Prof Riaz congratulated the newly elected Members of Parliament and their respective political parties. 

He also congratulated the public for participating in large numbers in what he described as a genuine election after a long period, thereby defeating all forms of conspiracy and fears of violence.

Replying to a question from a journalist whether BNP would implement all the reforms contained in the July Charter, Prof Riaz said he hoped BNP would show respect to the people’s mandate as it has previous records of adopting major reforms initiatives.   

Chief Adviser’s Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam and Deputy Press Secretary Mohammad Abul Kalam Azad Majumder were present at the briefing.