Professor Ali Riaz, special assistant to the chief adviser has stated that there is no legal restriction preventing public servants from campaigning in favour of a "Yes" vote in the referendum. Rather, it is an agenda for state reform based on the July National Charter, written in blood and belonging to all the people of Bangladesh. Professor Ali Riaz said that discussions with constitutional experts, former judges and relevant legal professionals had produced a unanimous opinion that there is no legal prohibition on public servants campaigning in favour of a ‘Yes’ vote in the referendum. Ali Riaz further stated that public servants are not only officials and employees of the Republic but also citizens. Therefore, it is necessary to explain how to cast a ballot and what a "Yes" or "No" vote signifies.

Source: Dhaka Tribune January 17, 2026 15:32 UTC