July Charter could usher in a new Bangladesh, says Ali Riaz

Prof Ali Riaz has said the July Charter, which the government plans to put to a referendum, was written through sacrifice and loss, and could help shape a "new Bangladesh".

Riaz, who is a special assistant to the chief advisor and the government’s chief coordinator for referendum outreach, said on Saturday that the Charter was not written in ink but “in blood and lives”, and that the referendum was being organised to allow people to decide whether they support the future path it outlines.

 “I hope we will succeed in this effort. We will achieve success and will certainly be able to take Bangladesh towards a new Bangladesh.”

While the July Charter appeared as text printed in black, it was rooted in years of suffering and sacrifice, according to him.

 “Every time I open the July Charter, I hear a mother’s cries and a brother’s sighs,” he said, explaining that the document had emerged from the anguish of families affected by enforced disappearances over more than 16 years, as well as the grief of mothers who lost their children.

He noted that the Charter also reflected the sacrifices of people from across society, including students, activists, small business owners and others who lost their lives.

Riaz urged people to reflect on what the Charter represents when deciding how to vote in the referendum.

 “The question is simple: am I with the path this Charter shows, or am I not? That is the question of ‘Yes’ or ‘No’.”

Riaz said he believed the country as a whole supported the Charter, adding that the decision now lay with the people.

 “The keys to the country are in your hands. They have been handed to everyone. Now you must decide.”

He said officials and organisers had a responsibility to explain the Charter clearly, encourage participation and help ensure it is implemented in line with the people’s decision.