Prof Ali Riaz, special assistant to the chief adviser, said the upcoming referendum is being held to ensure that future governments cannot adopt fascist practices.
Speaking Thursday at a workshop titled “The Upcoming Referendum and the Role of NGOs” at the NGO Affairs Bureau conference hall in Dhaka, Riaz said flawed constitutional and state structures have allowed those in power to become fascist in the past, and that the “Yes” vote in the referendum is crucial to blocking this path.
He explained that the referendum will be conducted like other general elections, with voters receiving two ballots at polling centers: a white ballot for electing representatives and a colored ballot for the referendum. He stressed that creating public awareness and encouraging participation is a collective responsibility.
Riaz added that the responsibility to safeguard democracy has been entrusted to the nation by those who sacrificed their lives during the July uprising and by victims of repression under the previous government.
Highlighting the credibility of NGOs at the grassroots level, he urged them to play a key role in raising awareness about the referendum among marginalized communities.
Special Assistant to the Chief Adviser (Consensus) Monir Haider, speaking as a discussant, recalled that during Pakistani rule, citizens were deprived of democratic rights. He said the referendum could help achieve reforms that align with the dream of freedom fighters—a safe and thriving democratic Bangladesh for future generations. Without it, the country risks returning to pre-August 5 conditions.
Shujan Secretary Dr Badiul Alam Majumdar presented a paper on “What is a Referendum and Why,” detailing reforms in the July National Charter. NGO Affairs Bureau Director General Md Daud Mia said the bureau would work intensively to raise awareness among the five to six million direct beneficiaries of registered NGOs and their families. Around 450 local and foreign NGO representatives attended the workshop.
