Dhaka: The Election Commission (EC) has announced that the 13th National Parliamentary Election and the national referendum will be held on the same day, unveiling the referendum question along with the proposed reforms. A notification signed by Director (Public Relations) and Information Officer Md. Ruhul Amin Mallick confirmed the decision.
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 notification outlines several proposals included in the referendum. The first proposal mandates that the caretaker government, the Election Commission, and other constitutional bodies will be constituted in accordance with the July Charter. Additionally, the next National Parliament will transition to a bicameral system, introducing an Upper House with 100 members. These members will be allocated proportionally based on the votes received by parties in the National Parliament elections. Furthermore, a majority approval from the Upper House will be required for any constitutional amendments.
The proposals also obligate political parties that win the next parliamentary elections to implement 30 issues detailed in the July National Charter. These issues include increasing women's representation in parliament, electing deputy speakers and parliamentary committee chairpersons from opposition parties, ensuring fundamental rights, strengthening judicial independence, empowering local government, determining the term of office of the Prime Minister, and defining the powers of the President.
Election Commissioner Md. Anwarul Islam Sarkar stated to BSS that the EC is fully prepared to conduct the national election and referendum simultaneously in the second week of February 2026, before Ramadan. Mock voting has been conducted to ensure smooth simultaneous voting.
Sarkar mentioned that since voters will be casting two ballots, the process will require additional time. Therefore, the Commission is considering extending voting hours and increasing the number of booths, with a final decision to be made in the next commission meeting. He expressed confidence that holding the national election and referendum on the same day would encourage voter participation, creating a festive atmosphere. The Information and Broadcasting Ministry and the Cultural Affairs Ministry will soon initiate campaigns for the national election and referendum.