Staff Reporter :
The government has given final approval to the draft Referendum Ordinance 2025, paving the way for holding a nationwide referendum on the same day as the upcoming national election, in line with the July National Charter (Constitutional Reform) Implementation Order 2025.
The approval came at a meeting of the Council of Advisers held on Tuesday at the Chief Adviser’s Office in Tejgaon, with Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus presiding. Later, Law Adviser Professor Dr Asif Nazrul, Election Commission Secretary Akhtar Ahmed, and Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam briefed the media at the Foreign Service Academy.
Dr Asif Nazrul said the ordinance, fully detailing the procedures for conducting the referendum, has been framed in accordance with the July National Charter Implementation Order, which was approved earlier by the Council of Advisers and later promulgated by President Md Shahabuddin.
“A gazette notification is expected today or tomorrow,” he told reporters.
One Question, Four Proposals
Under the newly approved ordinance, the referendum will ask a single question:
“Do you approve the July National Charter (Constitution Reform) Implementation Order, 2025 and the proposed constitutional reforms contained within it?”
The ballot paper will feature two boxes—Yes and No. Voters supporting the reforms will mark “Yes,” while opponents will mark “No.” The referendum ballot paper will be printed in distinct colours, separate from the national election ballots.
The law adviser said the referendum will gather public consent on four specific reform proposals:
a) Caretaker government, Election Commission, and other constitutional bodies will be formed following the procedures outlined in the July Charter during the election period.
b) Bangladesh’s next parliament will become bicameral, with a 100-member upper house elected proportionally based on national votes. Any constitutional amendment will require a majority approval in this upper house.
c) The 30 reform commitments agreed upon by political parties under the July Charter — including increased women’s representation, an opposition-elected Deputy Speaker, parliamentary committee chairs from the opposition, prime ministerial term limits, strengthened presidential powers, judicial independence, strengthened fundamental rights, and empowered local government — will be binding on whichever party forms the government after the election.
d) All other reform measures described in the July Charter will be implemented as per political commitments.
The ordinance stipulates that the referendum will take place on the same day as the next national election, a provision previously announced by the Chief Adviser in his national address on 13 November.
Voters abroad, as well as postal voters from four categories — including expatriates — will also be able to participate through postal ballots, mirroring the system used for Jatiya Sangsad elections.
Officials said the dual exercise — electing a new parliament and voting on major constitutional reforms — represents an unprecedented moment in Bangladesh’s democratic transition.
“The goal is to conduct both processes with full transparency, in an environment that is accessible to all voters,” the law adviser said.
Further details are expected once the gazette notification is issued.
