Referendum, nat’l poll on same day
Staff Reporter :
The interim government has unilaterally decided to hold the referendum on the same day as the national election scheduled to be held in February next year.
Prof Muhammad Yunus, Chief Adviser to the Interim Government, announced it during his address to the nation on Thursday, stating that the referendum would not hinder the much-sought reform goals and make the process more festive and cost-effective.
“Necessary legislation will be enacted in due course for holding the referendum,” he added.
The government unilateral decision over referendum came as the democratic political parties could not reach to a consensus on it within the given timeframe of seven days.
“Considering all this, and recognising the July Charter signed by the political parties as the primary document, the interim government has approved the July National Charter (Constitutional Reform) Implementation Order, 2025,” he added. The government also published the gazette of it.
Regarding the question of the Referendum, Dr Yunus clarifies that the question to be presented on the referendum ballot is as follows: “Do you approve the July National Charter (Constitutional Reform) Implementation Order, 2025 and the following constitutional reform proposals contained within the July National Charter?”
The ballot will cover four key proposals :
a) During the election period, the caretaker government, Election Commission, and other constitutional bodies will be formed in accordance with the procedures described in the July Charter.
b) The next parliament will be bicameral – consisting of an upper house of 100 members elected proportionally based on national votes, and any constitutional amendment will require the approval of a majority in the upper house.
c) The reforms agreed upon by political parties in the July Charter – including increased representation of women in parliament, election of a Deputy Speaker and committee chairpersons from the opposition, term limits for the Prime Minister, expanded powers of the President, protection of fundamental rights, judicial independence, and stronger local government – will be binding on the parties that win the next election.
d) Other reforms described in the July Charter will be implemented in line with the commitments of the political parties.
Voters will cast a single “Yes” or “No” vote to express their opinion on all four points.
“If the majority votes “Yes,” a Constitutional Reform Council will be formed, comprising members of the newly elected parliament. These members will simultaneously serve as Members of Parliament,” he said.
Regarding the Upper House, he said, “The council will complete the constitutional reforms within 180 working days of its first session, and within 30 working days thereafter, an Upper House will be established proportionally based on the election results. Its tenure will last until the end of the lower house’s term.”
The July Charter will also be formally incorporated into the Constitution, as stated in the newly approved order, he said.
Addressing the political parties, Chief Adviser said, “For nearly a decade and a half, our people were deprived of their voting rights. Now, they are eager to exercise that right in the upcoming election.
It is absolutely essential that the political parties supporting the uprising remain united in ensuring a fair election in February. Otherwise, the nation will face grave peril – a concern I have expressed repeatedly.”
“The unity of our people against fascism in July 2024 was forged by those who stood tall in the face of death. Let us not dishonor their sacrifice by engaging in petty disputes,” he added.
“I sincerely hope that the political parties will accept our decisions in the broader national interest and move forward toward a festive national election. Through this, we shall enter a new Bangladesh,” he said.
About trials, he said, “International Crimes Tribunal is soon to deliver its first verdict, while several other cases are nearing conclusion.”
Concerning to reform, he said that the government has made “remarkable progress” in the field of reforms.
About election, Chief Adviser said, “We are taking all necessary preparations to ensure that the election is festive, participatory, and fair. We are working tirelessly to fulfill our entrusted duty properly.”
Before concluding his address, Dr Yunus said, “The economy has returned to a positive trajectory.
The looted banking sector has recovered, and public confidence has returned. Comprehensive measures are underway to further strengthen the banking system.”
He also stated that Bangladesh’s foreign direct investment (FDI) has increased by 19.13 percent in the first year while Denmark-based Maersk Group will invest $550 million for Laldia Container Terminal Project.