Dhaka: The Election Commission (EC) has officially announced its decision to hold the 13th National Parliament Election and the referendum on the same day. The EC will widely publicize the referendum through banners and leaflets across the country.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, EC Secretariat Director (Public Relations) and Information Officer Md Ruhul Amin Mallick confirmed that the EC has approved the banners and leaflets for the referendum campaign. The EC-approved campaign materials ask voters: “Do you express your consent to the July National Charter (Constitutional Reform) Implementation Order, 2025, and the following proposals regarding constitutional reform as outlined in the July National Charter?” with options to vote ‘Yes’ or ‘No.’
Key points included in the referendum involve the formation of a caretaker government, the Election Commission, and other constitutional institutions during the election period, as detailed in the July Charter. The referendum also proposes that the next National Parliament will be bicameral, with an Upper House of 100 members proportionally representing parties based on parliamentary election results. Constitutional amendments will require approval by a majority of Upper House members.
Additionally, political parties winning the next election must implement 30 issues listed in the July Charter. These issues include increased women’s representation in parliament, election of opposition members as deputy speakers and committee chairpersons, protection of fundamental rights, judicial independence, local government reforms, Prime Minister’s term limits, and presidential powers, as agreed upon in the July National Charter. Other reforms outlined in the July National Charter will be implemented as pledged by political parties. Voters will have the opportunity to express their consent by voting ‘Yes’ or ‘No’ on the banner and leaflet.