Dhaka: The Election Commission (EC) has announced that the 13th National Parliamentary election and a national referendum will take place on the same day. A notification issued by the EC Secretariat, signed by Director (Public Relations) and Information Officer Md. Ruhul Amin Mallick, confirmed the decision and outlined the referendum question along with related reform proposals.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the referendum question reads: "Do you agree with the July National Charter (Constitutional Amendment) Order, 2025 and the proposals related to constitutional amendments recorded in the July National Charter? (Yes/No)" The proposals cover several major areas, including the formation of the caretaker government, the Election Commission, and other constitutional institutions in line with the July Charter.
A significant change proposed is the establishment of a bicameral parliament, with an upper house consisting of 100 members elected proportionally based on party votes. Constitutional amendments will require majority approval in this upper house. The July Charter mandates measures such as enhanced women's representation in parliament, election of the deputy speaker and parliamentary committee chairs from opposition parties, protection of fundamental rights, judicial independence, reforms in local government, tenure of the Prime Minister, powers of the President, and 30 other scheduled matters.
Other amendments mentioned in the Charter will be implemented by political parties according to their commitments.