Bangladesh will hold a national referendum on implementing its “July Charter” for state reform, drafted following last year’s deadly student-led uprising, announced Muhammad Yunus, head of the country’s interim government, on Thursday.
Yunus also confirmed that parliamentary elections will take place in the first half of February and assured that they would be free and fair. The interim government approved the July National Charter (Constitution Reform) Implementation Order 2025 on Thursday, which will come into effect depending on the outcome of the referendum.
“We have decided to hold the referendum on the same day as the national parliamentary election — in the first half of February,” Yunus said in a televised address to the nation. “This will not slow down the reform process; rather, it will make the election more festive and cost-efficient.”
The July Charter aims to transform the country’s political system and institutions, while giving constitutional recognition to the 2024 uprising that led to the resignation of long-time Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, who fled to India. Key provisions include increased representation for women, term limits for the prime minister, stronger presidential powers, expanded fundamental rights, and greater judicial independence.
While most political parties endorsed the charter in October, the National Citizens Party — formed by leaders of last year’s movement and four left-leaning parties — boycotted it. The NCP argued that the charter lacked a legal framework or binding guarantees to ensure its commitments would be implemented.
Supporters see the charter as a foundation for meaningful institutional reform, while critics warn its impact could remain largely symbolic without legal backing or parliamentary consensus.
“I hope political parties will accept our decision in the greater interest of the nation,” Yunus said. “The country will move toward a festive national election and take a step into a ‘New Bangladesh.’”
