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Bangladesh to Vote in National Referendum on Constitutional Reforms, Alongside High-Stakes Election
Voters decide on reforms including a bicameral parliament and term limits; a majority 'yes' will form a Constitutional Reform Council to finalize changes.
- On Thursday, Bangladesh will hold a national referendum alongside its parliamentary election, the first vote since violent protests ousted former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in August 2024, with polling underway in Dhaka.
- The referendum implements the 'July Charter' drafted after the 2024 uprising to establish good governance and prevent authoritarian rule, with the interim government that took power after Hasina's ouster approving its implementation order in November.
- On the ballot are four major reforms including new constitutional bodies, a bicameral parliament requiring upper house majority approval for amendments, and 30 charter reforms covering prime minister term limits and enhanced presidential powers.
- If approved by a majority, a Constitutional Reform Council will complete reforms within 180 working days, and each person will cast their vote by secret ballot, defining referendum voting procedures.
- Critics note that the High Court reinstated referendums in 2024 after abolition in 2011, but critics of the bundled referendum warn it shrinks space for dissent and confuses voters.
51 Articles
51 Articles
Explained: What is July Charter, and why is a referendum being held with Bangladesh elections today?
As Bangladesh heads to the polls, a pivotal referendum on the July Charter proposes sweeping reforms to establish democracy and good governance. Critics warn the bundled voting process could confuse voters, while supporters see it as a necessary step away from a two-dynasty political system.
A year and a half after the uprising of the students of Generation Z, the ideals of the movement are put to the test of the legislative and referendum. ...
Bangladesh to vote in national referendum on constitutional reforms, alongside high-stakes election
The proposed reforms come against the backdrop of years of political polarisation in Bangladesh, where power has traditionally been concentrated in the office of the prime minister.
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