Rahmatullah Miah: At a seminar, speakers called for swift action to implement the public mandate expressed through a referendum, alleging that the government is delaying its execution. They warned that continued disregard for the public mandate could trigger renewed political instability in the country.The seminar, titled “Delay in Implementing the Public Mandate in Light of the Referendum: Government Responsibility and Accountability,” was organized by Bangladesh Islami Chhatra Shibir on Thursday morning at the Abdus Salam Hall of the National Press Club. Lawyers, political leaders, journalists, and student representatives participated in the event.At the seminar, Supreme Court senior lawyer Mohammad Shishir Monir stated that the current government, instead of respecting the public mandate, is presenting contradictory legal interpretations. He alleged that the government is not only opposing the “July Charter” but is also resisting broader reforms.He further said that since the adoption of the 1972 Constitution, ruling parties have made changes to suit their own interests, creating a persistent structural crisis. He commented that excessive centralization of power in the current constitution is hindering democratic governance. In this context, he emphasized the need to establish a balance of power between the President and the Prime Minister and to implement proposed reforms.The keynote paper was presented by Chhatra Shibir’s central president, Nurul Islam. He said the government is procrastinating in implementing the people’s mandate, which is a warning sign for democracy. He claimed that ignoring the public mandate would call into question the political legitimacy of the government.Barrister Asaduzzaman Fuad, General Secretary of Amar Bangladesh Party, remarked that public opinion had been ignored during the drafting of the 1972 Constitution. He said that the principles of equality, human dignity, and social justice outlined in the Proclamation of Independence have yet to be fully realized.Renowned photographer and social activist Shahidul Alam stated that structural reforms are essential to address the country’s systemic problems. While differences of opinion are natural, he called for unity in the greater national interest.Barrister Najibur Rahman Momen, Member of Parliament for Pabna-1, said that legal questions are being deliberately raised about the “July Charter” in an attempt to obstruct the reform process. He also accused past misuse of the constitution.Speakers from various political and student organizations also addressed the seminar. They stated that implementing decisions based on the public mandate is both a constitutional and moral responsibility of the state. Failure to do so could create legal and political crises.Student representatives from Dhaka University, Jagannath University, and Jahangirnagar University issued an ultimatum for the prompt implementation of the public mandate. They warned that, if necessary, they would launch movements from campuses to the streets.At the seminar, speakers unanimously urged the government to announce a clear roadmap for implementing the public mandate without delay. Representatives from various media outlets, Chhatra Shibir leaders and activists, and general students were present at the event.