Professor Ali Riaz, as the special assistant to Chief Adviser Prof Mohammad Yunus, has addressed the misconceptions surrounding the proposed “July charter.” He made it clear that the charter does not seek to eliminate references to 1971 or the phrase “Bismillah” from the Constitution, labeling such claims as baseless propaganda.
Speaking at a divisional Imam conference at Chattogram Stadium, Professor Riaz refuted the rumors circulating about potential changes to the Constitution. He emphasized that those spreading such misinformation are either misinterpreting the charter’s content or intentionally misleading the public.
Reflecting on the past 15 years, Professor Riaz highlighted the concentration of power in the hands of the prime minister, resulting in virtually unrestricted authority. He pointed out instances where even convicted criminals were pardoned based on the prime minister’s advice, leading to a consensus among political parties that a change in the system is imperative, hence the need for the July charter.
Professor Riaz underscored the significance of the July uprising, stating that the charter was crafted with great sacrifice and should be upheld collectively by citizens. He explained that the upcoming referendum aims to decentralize power, distinguishing it from previous votes held under different administrations.
Reforms tied to a “Yes” vote in the referendum include diminishing the prime minister’s absolute authority, decentralizing the judiciary, enhancing transparency in the Public Service Commission (PSC) and Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC), introducing an Upper House in Parliament for proportional representation, and reforming presidential elections and government expenditure practices.
Regarding the ACC, Professor Riaz highlighted its misuse in suppressing opposition parties and stressed the importance of establishing a fair and just system to prevent further tragedies. He emphasized that both the Liberation of 1971 and the 2024 uprising share the common goal of achieving justice for all.