Ali Riaz calls for ‘Yes’ vote to prevent return of enforced disappearances

Special Assistant to the Chief Adviser Prof Ali Riaz on Sunday called upon the citizens to vote “yes” in the upcoming referendum to prevent a repeat of enforced disappearances, murders and other heinous crimes that he said marked the country’s governance over the past 16 years.

He made the remarks while addressing the Barishal Divisional Imam Conference as chief guest at Bells Park in Barishal city organised to promote the referendum and motivate the voters.

Riaz said the nation had suffered severely under  a fascist regime and stressed that a united “yes” vote was essential to safeguard the country’s future.

Highlighting the proposed July National Charter, he acknowledged differences of opinion but called on all citizens to set aside divisions for the greater welfare of the nation and stand together in favor of the referendum.

The conference was jointly organized by the Barishal Divisional Administration and the Bangladesh Islamic Foundation’s Divisional Office, with Barisal Divisional Commissioner Mohammad Mahfuzur Rahman in the chair.

Special Assistant to the Chief Adviser Monir Haider and Secretary of the Ministry of Religious Affairs Md Kamal Uddin attended as special guests.

The welcome address was delivered by Barisal Divisional Director of the Islamic Foundation Md Nurul Islam.

Also present were DIG of Barisal Range Md Manzoor Morshed Alam lam, Barisal Metropolitan Police Commissioner Md Shofiqul Islam, and President of the Barisal Divisional Imam Association Maulana Abdul Hai Nizami.

Speaking as a special guest, Monir Haider warned that failure to secure a “yes” vote could pave the way for the return of what he termed “murderous mafia fascists.”

He further alleged that such groups are conspiring to destabilise Bangladesh using thousands of crores of taka smuggled out of the country.