Along with the general elections, an important referendum is also going to be held in Bangladesh on 12 February 2026. Voters will be asked whether they want to implement the proposed package called ‘July Charter’ or not. This package includes 47 major changes, through which changes are being said in the constitution and governance system. This will be the fourth referendum in the history of the country and its results may decide the politics of the coming years.
Three referendums have already been held
Referendum has been conducted thrice before in Bangladesh.
- The first referendum was held on 30 May 1977. Then public confidence was sought on the question related to President Ziaur Rahman. According to official figures, about 88% voting took place and more than 98% people answered ‘yes’.
- The second referendum took place on 21 March 1985 during the tenure of President Hussain Muhammad Ershad. People were asked whether they supported his policies and wanted him to continue ruling till the elections. In this too, more than 94% votes were declared as ‘yes’.
- The third referendum took place on 15 September 1991. In this there was a question of bringing back the parliamentary system and approving the twelfth amendment of the Constitution. About 84% voters supported it.
Two of these referendums took place when military rulers were in power in the country. Therefore, questions kept being raised regarding the results.
Current government and increasing controversy
The decisions of Mohammad Yunus, who has been leading the interim government for about one and a half years, have been in the news continuously. After a lot of pressure, the process of holding elections moved forward. Yunus has publicly said that he will hand over responsibility to the new government after the elections, but his opponents say that he wants to retain his role in the future arrangement through the ‘July Charter’. Yunus himself is speaking openly in support of ‘yes’ vote. However, the Election Commission has prevented government employees from directly campaigning for any party.
Why is the process considered to be reversed this time?
Usually, the amendment is first passed in the Parliament and then opinion is taken from the public. But this time a referendum is being conducted first. If the public says ‘yes’ then the process of implementing the proposed changes will begin. If she says ‘no’ then the matter will stop there. For this reason some people are calling it different from the normal process.
47 changes, but just one question
The biggest debate is on the fact that 47 different proposals have been combined into a single question. The voter only has to choose ‘yes’ or ‘no’. Many analysts say that people may agree on some proposals and not on others, but they have not been given different options. Therefore questions are being raised on this method.
What will happen if ‘yes’ comes?
If the majority votes ‘yes’ then a Constitutional Reform Council will be formed. This council will function almost like a parliament and will begin the process of implementing the proposals of the July Charter. It has been told that the amendments will be passed by the majority of 151 members and this work will have to be completed within 180 days.
Proposals include:
- formation of new parliament
- Limiting the powers of the Prime Minister
- Changes in the powers of the President
- Suggestion to create a two-house parliament (upper and lower house)
- New rules related to judiciary and election commission
If these are implemented then there can be a big change in the political system of the country.
What will change if ‘no’ comes?
If the public votes ‘no’ then the proposals related to the July Charter will not move forward. The existing constitutional system will continue. However, the government says that ‘yes’ vote will lead to better governance and strengthening democracy in the country.
the road ahead is not easy
Even after the referendum, the process will be long. It has to be decided what the new or amended Constitution will be like. Then implementing the new system, changing the structure of institutions and implementing the rules will be a big challenge. Political experts believe that this referendum is not just a legal process, but a step to decide the direction of the country.
The decision is not just ‘yes’ or ‘no’
On February 12, voters will press just one button, but its impact can be huge. This will decide whether Bangladesh will move ahead with its existing system or choose the path of major change. For some people this is an opportunity for constitutional reform, while for others it is a question related to the future of power.
