Islami Andolan Bangladesh’s Amir and Charmonai Pir Mufti Syed Muhammad Rezaul Karim has called for urgent structural and policy reforms to make the country’s independence meaningful and effective. In a statement issued to the media on Wednesday marking Independence Day, he extended greetings to the nation and emphasized that without qualitative changes in the state, independence risks remaining only on paper.

He stated that merely changing individuals or ruling groups without reforming the state system leads to superficial freedom. Referring to the past, he noted that even after half a century of independence, instances of authoritarian rule under the guise of constitutional governance have persisted. He recalled that such autocracy was overthrown through a bloody mass uprising by students and citizens on July 24.

The Islami Andolan leader expressed concern over uncertainty surrounding the future of reforms proposed by political parties and approved through a referendum. He urged the government to promptly implement these approved reform proposals to ensure the permanent eradication of autocracy and paid tribute to the martyrs and victims of the Liberation War.