Bangladesh has conducted a national referendum alongside its general elections, in which 67 percent of voters have supported the proposed reforms, while 33 percent voted against them.
Following the completion of polling in the 13th National Parliamentary Elections, vote counting is underway, and the referendum was held simultaneously to seek public opinion on wide-ranging constitutional and political reforms.
The elections are taking place nearly 18 months after a student-led movement that resulted in the end of Sheikh Hasina’s two-decade-long rule, marking a significant shift in the country’s political landscape.
According to Bangladeshi media, voters were asked to choose between “Yes” or “No” on the ballot paper, with the referendum aimed at determining the future political and constitutional framework of the country.
The referendum sought approval for broad constitutional reforms under the “July National Charter,” which includes four major constitutional amendments and nearly 30 reform proposals.
The July National Charter is an effort to give legal shape to the demands of the July 2024 public movement. Its stated objective is to strengthen good governance, democracy, and social justice, while preventing the concentration of power in the hands of a single individual or institution.
The draft was prepared by the “National Consensus Commission” formed under Dr. Yunus, following consultations with major political parties, although the Awami League did not participate in the process.
Proposed changes include the establishment of new constitutional institutions, transforming parliament into a bicameral legislature, requiring approval of the upper house before constitutional amendments, limiting the prime minister’s tenure, and expanding presidential powers to ensure a balanced system of governance.
