Special Assistant to the Chief Adviser Dr Ali Riaz has said the outcome of the referendum clearly indicates that the people of Bangladesh do not wish to return to the old order.

He made the remarks at a press conference held at the Foreign Service Academy in the capital on Saturday afternoon.

Ali Riaz said the citizens of Bangladesh had “clearly and unequivocally” delivered their verdict in favour of the proposed constitutional reforms under the July National Charter. “From this verdict, it is evident that a significant majority of the citizens of Bangladesh do not want to return to the old system or maintain the status quo. They want change — reforms in the state structure,” he said.

Highlighting that the public mandate in favour of reform should not be viewed merely in numerical terms, he added that the referendum result represents a broader national commitment. According to him, the verdict is a recognition of the responsibility entrusted to the authorities by those who sacrificed their lives, were injured, or fought bravely during the mass uprising of July–August 2024.

He said the people’s mandate reflects a collective determination to build institutional structures that would prevent the recurrence of the bloodshed, suffering and repression witnessed over the past 16 years. “It is an expression of public aspiration to ensure that such tragedies are never repeated,” he noted.

Expressing gratitude to journalists, the Special Assistant said the media had played a crucial role in taking news of the referendum to households across the country. 

He thanked members of the press for drawing attention to weaknesses in the authorities’ work, as well as for highlighting their achievements. He also expressed appreciation to those who had criticised the procedures and processes of the referendum.

Ali Riaz said it is now the responsibility of political parties to implement the clear public mandate for reform expressed through the referendum. He said all political parties are committed to state reform and urged both the ruling party and parties represented in the National Parliament and the Constitutional Reform Council, as well as those outside Parliament, to work together.

“They must ensure, through dialogue and unity, the implementation of this public mandate,” he said.

Referring to discussions held under the National Consensus Commission, he praised political parties for demonstrating respect and tolerance towards differing opinions and for upholding a tradition of compromise and consensus. He urged them to preserve that spirit while carrying forward the implementation of the reform document.

Ali Riaz also called on civil society to assist in advancing the reform process. Addressing young people in particular, he said, “The future Bangladesh belongs to you. Take the lead in building that Bangladesh.”