The government revealed important decisions yesterday, including scheduling the national election and the July charter referendum on the same day and proposing the establishment of an upper house through proportional representation. In a televised speech addressing the nation amidst escalating political tensions surrounding July charter reforms, Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus announced that the referendum would feature a single question regarding the adoption of constitutional reforms, encompassing four key areas.
Following Yunus’ address, President Mohammed Shahabuddin issued the July National Charter (Constitution Reform) Implementation Order, 2025. The order omitted a clause that would have automatically integrated the changes into the constitution if the next parliament, acting as a Constitution Reform Council, failed to finalize the reforms within a specified timeframe. Additionally, the council’s deadline was reduced from 270 to 180 working days from its inaugural session.
Yunus expressed hope that political parties would endorse the decisions in the nation’s best interest, emphasizing the move towards a celebratory election heralding a new era for Bangladesh. The announcement elicited varied responses from major political party leaders, with some offering immediate reactions and others critiquing aspects such as the formation of the upper house, the Constitutional Reform Council, and the referendum question.
The National Consensus Commission had earlier submitted recommendations on implementing the July charter, proposing two alternatives involving a referendum and an implementation order, with the timing left to the government’s discretion. Subsequent disagreements among political factions centered on issues like the timing of the referendum, the implementation order, proportional representation, dissenting opinions, and other contentious matters.
Yunus outlined significant provisions for executing the July charter, including conducting a referendum on its constitutional reform suggestions and establishing a Constitution Reform Council thereafter. The referendum, slated for the first half of February alongside the national parliamentary election, aims to streamline the process and reduce costs. The referendum question will seek citizens’ approval of the implementation order and proposed reforms outlined in four sections below the query.
Following a “yes” majority in the referendum, the Constitution Reform Council will be constituted with MPs elected in the upcoming election, taking an oath as council representatives concurrently with the parliament’s swearing-in ceremony. The upper house formation will align with the votes garnered by each party in the national election and will serve a term corresponding to the lower house’s tenure.
The implementation order, issued despite objections from certain parties, encompasses procedures for the reform council’s operation, quorum requirements, voting mechanisms, and the Speaker’s role in case of a tie. Yunus hailed the consensus on crucial reform proposals with only minor discrepancies on other matters, deeming it a historic achievement in advancing democratic reforms.
Highlighting the importance of fair and participatory elections, Yunus emphasized the need for unity among parties supporting the electoral process. He reiterated the government’s commitment to ensuring justice for July atrocities, implementing necessary reforms for a robust democratic system, and facilitating a smooth transfer of power through transparent elections. Additionally, Yunus discussed ongoing trials related to the Awami League regime and efforts to address crimes like enforced disappearances in the country.