Professor Ali Riaz, Special Assistant to the Chief Adviser and Chief Coordinator of the referendum awareness campaign, emphasized the crucial role of imams in establishing a just, equal, and humane society. He made the remarks on Saturday, January 24, at the Sylhet Divisional Imam Conference held at the Mendibag Sports Complex, organized by the Divisional Commissioner’s Office and the Islamic Foundation. Special Assistant Monir Haider attended as a special guest.

In his address, Ali Riaz said Bangladesh had been in darkness for 16 years under a fascist regime that dismantled constitutional structures. He stated that the upcoming referendum, based on the July Charter formulated by consensus among political parties after the fall of fascism, is essential to uphold freedom of expression. He urged all to ensure a “Yes” victory in the vote.

Monir Haider recalled that religious scholars once faced discrimination and fear under the previous regime. He called the referendum a moral and faith-based duty to permanently eradicate fascism. The event was chaired by Divisional Commissioner Khan Md. Reza-un-Nabi and attended by senior officials and religious leaders.