Dhaka, Nov 13 (V7N) — Chief Adviser Professor Dr. Muhammad Yunus announced Thursday that the referendum on implementing the July National Charter will be held on the same day as the 13th National Parliament election in the first half of February.

Speaking in a nationwide address, Dr. Yunus said, “We have decided after considering all issues that the referendum will be organized on the day of the national election. This approach will make the process festive and cost-effective, while not hindering the goal of reform. Necessary laws for the referendum will be enacted in due course.”

The Chief Adviser outlined the question to appear on the referendum ballot, which will cover four key issues:

  1. Formation of the caretaker government, Election Commission, and other constitutional institutions during elections in accordance with the July Charter.

  2. The next parliament will be bicameral, with an upper house of 100 members formed proportionally to votes received in the national election. Constitutional amendments will require the approval of the majority in the upper house.

  3. Winning parties must implement 30 proposals agreed upon in the July Charter, including:

    • Increasing women’s representation in parliament

    • Electing the Deputy Speaker and parliamentary committee chairperson from the opposition

    • Limiting the Prime Minister’s term

    • Strengthening presidential powers

    • Expanding fundamental rights

    • Ensuring judicial and local government independence

  4. Implementation of other reforms outlined in the July Charter as promised by political parties.

Voters will cast a single ‘yes’ or ‘no’ vote on these issues. If the majority votes ‘yes’, a Constitution Reform Council will be formed from representatives elected in the next parliamentary election. The council will amend the constitution within 180 working days of its first session. Following completion of reforms, an upper house will be established within 30 working days, with a term concurrent with the lower house.

Dr. Yunus emphasized that this referendum will provide the public an opportunity to directly approve the reform process and strengthen the democratic framework of the country.

END/SMA/AJ