Referendum, polls to be held on same day: CA

Chief Adviser Professor Dr Muhammad Yunus on Thursday announced that the referendum on July National Charter-2025and the national polls would be held on the same day in the first half of February next.

In a televised address to the nation on Thursday afternoon, Dr Yunus said: "We have decided, after taking all the factors into consideration, that the referendum will be organised on the day of the next general elections. That is, the referendum will be held on the same day as the national elections, in the first half of February. This will not hinder the goal of reforms in any way."

The Chief Adviser said the Council of Advisers on Thursday approved the July National Charter (Constitutional Reform) Implementation Order, 2025, marking a historic step towards realizing the reform commitments made under the July National Charter, which was signed by major political parties. State-run Bangladesh Television, BTV News and Bangladesh Betar telecast his speech live. On Oct 28, the Consensus Commission submitted two alternative recommendations to the interim government on how the July Charter can be implemented. It recommended issuing an order to implement the charter and seeking public mandate through a plebiscite.

The recommendation stated that the referendum could be held before the parliamentary elections or on the same day as the parliamentary elections after the order was issued. However, serious differences arose among political parties on the matter.

The BNP and some like-minded parties took a stand in favour of holding the referendum on the same day as the general election.

In line with the July Charter, the government has also finalised the question to be presented on the referendum ballot, Prof Yunus said.
The question will be as follows:

"Do you approve the July National Charter Constitutional Reform Implementation Order, 2025, and the following proposals regarding constitutional reforms as enlisted in the July National Charter?"

a) During the election period, the caretaker government, Election Commission, and other constitutional bodies will be formed in accordance with the procedures outlined in the July Charter.

b) The next parliament will be bicameral. Based on the proportion of votes received in the national election, a 100-member upper house will be formed, and any constitutional amendment will require the approval of the majority of the upper house members.

c) The political parties that win the next election will be obligated to implement the 30 reform proposals agreed upon in the July National Charter, including increased female representation in parliament, election of the deputy speaker and parliamentary committee chairs from the opposition, limitation of the prime minister's tenure, enhancement of presidential powers, expansion of fundamental rights, independence of the judiciary, and strengthening of local government.

d) Other reforms outlined in the July Charter will be implemented as per the commitments of the political parties.

"On the day of the referendum, you will express your opinion on these four issues by casting a single vote - either 'yes' or 'no,'" said Prof Yunus.

If a majority votes "yes," a Constitutional Reform Council will be formed, comprising the representatives elected in the upcoming parliamentary election. These representatives will also serve as members of the national parliament. The council will complete the constitutional reform process within 180 working days from the date of its first session, he added.

Within 30 working days after the reform is completed, an upper house will be constituted based on the proportion of votes received in the parliamentary election, and its term will continue until the final working day of the lower house, he said.

In accordance with the pledge to implement the July Charter, provisions will be made to incorporate the July National Charter into the Constitution, he added. "This inclusion has also been specified in today's approved order."