United News of Bangladesh

Professor Ali Riaz, special assistant to the Chief Adviser, has said establishing an upper house in the bicameral legislature is aimed at preventing the concentration of power in a single individual in the future. Speaking at a discussion session held on Monday at Dr Kaiser Rahman Chowdhury Auditorium of Rajshahi Medical College to promote the upcoming referendum and encourage voter participation, Prof Riaz said Bangladesh’s current system has repeatedly allowed one person to accumulate power by exploiting institutional weaknesses. “We must address this issue institutionally rather than rely on any single individual,” he said, adding that the July charter proposes the creation of an upper house in parliament, which would ensure representation of the people and all political parties, as well as reflect broad consensus in constitutional amendments. Prof Riaz emphasised the vision of a state upholding equality, human dignity, and justice, noting that institutional decay over the past 54 years has repeatedly allowed personal or party interests to undermine governance. Read more: Prof Yunus orders strict measures to prevent possible election fraud He praised the role of the youth in creating opportunities through the 2024 popular uprising to prevent the rise of fascism in the future. Monir Haider stressed that public approval of the July charter through the upcoming referendum is essential to safeguard the future of the next generation and warned that failure to pass the referendum could lead to a return of authoritarianism. He assured officials that campaigning for ‘Yes’ or ‘No’ votes would face no restrictions, highlighting that the referendum is a collective agenda rather than a candidate election. The session, chaired by Divisional Commissioner Dr ANM Bazlur Rashid, was attended by special assistant (consensus) Monir Haider, Rajshahi University of Engineering & Technology Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr SM Abdur Razzak, Rajshahi Range Police DIG Mohammad Shahjahan, and Rajshahi Police Commissioner Dr Mohammad Zillur Rahman. Read more: Prof Yunus to focus on digital health, youth entrepreneurs, ‘Three Zeros’ Deputy Commissioners, police superintendents, other government officials, local journalists and civil society members from across Rajshahi division also participated. Divisional Commissioner Dr Bazlur Rashid highlighted initiatives at divisional, district, and sub-district levels to raise awareness about the referendum and urged all officials to fulfill their responsibilities at this critical juncture.

Stating that the country is now completely “under the grip of autocracy”, Gonoforum President Dr Kamal Hossain urged the political parties to take to the streets together to get rid of it.  "People are deprived of their rights, and they’ve no confidence in the present government. They (govt) have usurped power. A complete autocracy is now there in the country,” he said. Speaking at the inaugural session of Ganosanghati Andolon’s conference at the Jatiya Press Club, the veteran politician said the unity of people is now imperative to protect the country from “autocracy”. “People are mentally ready for a movement. They’ll take to the streets only if we the political parties can build the unity of people. Our people will get back their ownership of the country through a struggle on the streets.” Dr Kamal said the current government has no moral rights to run the country since it “usurped” power. “Let’s take a vow for a change (in govt) and forge a unity through discussions.” The Gonoforum chief said he is confident about the success of a movement as people are getting united. “Everyone has to take to the streets as soon as we call for a moment.  We’ll oust them (govt) by forging unity, and restore people’s ownership of the country.” Speaking at the programme, Gonoshasthaya Kendra founder Dr Zafrullah Chowdhury said the government has destroyed the country’s election system. "No election is held in every union. We’ve to wake up everywhere to restore the electoral system. We must get rid of this government.” He said there is no alternative to waging a strong street movement to ensure the fall of the Awami League government.  "The movement is the only way for us to bring a change. I believe there’ll be a change if the national leaders who’re now here can take to the streets together.” Zafrullah also thinks a national government needs to be formed to create a congenial and healthy atmosphere for holding a credible election. Condemning the recent communal violence in the country, he said it has manifested that not only the boat (AL’s election symbol) is sinking, but also the country. He criticized the state minister for religious affairs for what he said visiting violence-hit Cumilla 13 days after the incident. Zafrullah, also a freedom fighter, urged the government to hunt down the real offenders involved in sectarian violence instead of indulging in the blame game.

Jatiya Party Chairman GM Quader on Wednesday said the country is now under the grip of ‘autocracy’ as all the power is concentrated in the hands of one person.