Bangladesh's interim government Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus on Thursday announced that the country will hold a national referendum on implementing its
'July Charter' for state reform alongside national elections on the same day in February next year. Yunus said the Council of Advisers on Thursday approved the 'July Charter Implementation Order 2025', and it will be implemented depending on the outcome of the referendum. "Considering all related matters, we have decided the referendum to be staged alongside the national election on the same day," Yunus said in a televised address to the nation after a meeting with his advisers, PTI reported.
What is the July Charter?
A National Consensus Commission headed by Yunus drafted the July Charter, incorporating over 80 reform proposals following consultations with several political parties, including former prime minister Khaleda Zia's Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and Jamaat-e-Islami.
The July Charter seeks to reshape the country's politics and institutions and give constitutional recognition to the 2024 uprising that forced Sheikh Hasina, a long-time prime minister, to flee to India. It includes increased representation of women, limiting the prime minister's term, strengthening presidential powers, expanding fundamental rights and ensuring judicial independence, Reuters reported.
Despite multiple rounds of discussions, the political parties have failed to reach a consensus on many reforms under the charter. The parties signed the document at a ceremony on October 17, but differences surfaced over its implementation process. The BNP said a referendum on it should be held on the voting day, while Jamaat wants it by November.
"The (advisory council) order also pointed out that an arrangement will be made to incorporate the July Charter in the Constitution in line with the (political parties) commitment to implement it," Yunus said.
Supporters see the charter as a foundation for institutional reform, while critics say its impact could be largely symbolic without a legal framework or parliamentary consensus. The NCP said it stayed away due to the lack of a legal framework or binding guarantee for implementing the commitments made in the charter.
(With agency inputs)
