Dhaka: Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus announced today that the government has decided to conduct a referendum on the same day as the national polls in February, enabling citizens to vote on a single question that encompasses four significant reform proposals. This decision was communicated during a televised address to the nation concerning the 'July National Charter 2025' implementation, following the approval of the 'July National Charter (Constitutional Reform) Implementation Order, 2025' by the Council of Advisers.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Professor Yunus chaired the meeting held at his office in the city's Tejgaon area earlier in the day. The referendum ballot will pose the following question to voters: "Do you approve the July National Charter (Constitutional Reform) Implementation Order, 2025 and the following constitutional reform proposals contained within the July National Charter?"
The four key proposals include the formation of the caretaker government, Election Commission, and other constitutional bodies during the election period as outlined in the July Charter. The next parliament is proposed to be bicameral, with an upper house of 100 members elected proportionally based on national votes, and any constitutional amendment will necessitate a majority approval in the upper house.
Additionally, the reforms agreed upon by political parties in the July Charter will be binding on the parties that win the next election. These reforms include increased representation of women in parliament, the election of a Deputy Speaker and committee chairpersons from the opposition, term limits for the Prime Minister, expanded powers of the President, protection of fundamental rights, judicial independence, and stronger local government. Other reforms mentioned in the July Charter will be implemented according to the commitments of the political parties.
The Chief Adviser emphasized that voters will cast a single "Yes" or "No" vote to express their opinion on all four proposals.