An unofficial results from 106 polling centers indicate a decisive lead for ‘Yes’ vote in the nationwide referendum on July National Charter, held alongside country’s 13th parliamentary election on Thursday.
Voting took place simultaneously across 299 constituencies from 7:30 am to 4:00 pm. According to unofficial tallies from multiple constituencies in Dhaka, the charter received 69,347 ‘Yes’ votes, compared with 19,945 ‘No’ votes, signaling strong public support for the proposed constitutional reforms.
If the July National Charter is approved in the final count, it will pave the way for wide-ranging amendments to the Constitution of Bangladesh, introducing major political, institutional, and governance reforms.
Key proposed changes include expanded presidential powers, allowing the president to appoint key officials such as the heads of the Human Rights Commission, Information Commission, Press Council, Law Commission, the governor of Bangladesh Bank, and members of the Energy Regulatory Commission without the prime minister’s advice. The Bangladesh Nationalist Party has expressed reservations about this provision.
The charter also proposes changes to the presidential election system, replacing the current open ballot vote by members of parliament with a secret ballot by members of both the upper and lower houses.
Another major reform involves the formation of a 100-member upper house of parliament within 30 working days of the referendum’s approval. Seats would be allocated proportionally based on votes received by political parties in the general election.
Under the proposed amendments, no individual would be allowed to serve as prime minister for more than two terms or a total of 10 years, and the roles of prime minister and party chief would have to be held by separate individuals.
The charter further seeks to amend Article 70, granting lawmakers greater freedom to vote independently, except in cases involving money bills and no-confidence motions. It also mandates that the post of deputy speaker be reserved for a member of the opposition.
Significant judicial reforms are included, proposing changes to Article 95 to ensure that the chief justice is appointed directly from the Appellate Division, while a commission led by the chief justice would oversee the appointment of High Court judges.
Additional provisions aim to safeguard fundamental rights during states of emergency, guarantee uninterrupted internet access, strengthen personal data protection, and enhance women’s representation in public life.
The charter also proposes reforms to the process of forming the Election Commission and restricts the president’s power of pardon, requiring consent from victims or their families.
Final and official results of the referendum are expected after votes from all polling centers are compiled.
