Dhaka — Web Desk: Voters in Bangladesh have approved sweeping constitutional reforms in a national referendum held alongside the country’s general elections, according to unofficial preliminary results released on Friday.
Early tallies indicate that around 67% of voters supported the proposed reforms, while 33% voted against them, marking a significant moment in Bangladesh’s political transition. The referendum coincided with the country’s 13th national parliamentary elections, held roughly 18 months after the July 2024 mass movement that led to the end of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s long rule.
The referendum posed a single yes-or-no question asking voters whether they supported the proposed constitutional amendments. The reform proposals are part of the so-called “July National Charter,” a framework designed to translate the demands of the 2024 protest movement into legal and institutional changes.
The draft reforms were prepared by the National Consensus Commission following consultations with multiple political parties. However, the Awami League did not participate in the process, underscoring ongoing political divisions in the country.
Key proposed amendments include transforming the current unicameral legislature into a bicameral parliament, establishing an upper house or Senate, and requiring Senate approval for future constitutional amendments. Other measures include term limits for the prime minister and expanded powers for the president, steps aimed at preventing excessive concentration of power and strengthening democratic checks and balances.
Political analysts say the referendum reflects a strong public mandate for institutional reform and greater political accountability. If implemented, the changes could significantly reshape Bangladesh’s governance structure and democratic system.
The Election Commission is expected to announce final and certified results in the coming days. While the outcomes are still provisional, observers and local media have already described the vote as a historic milestone in Bangladesh’s political history, signaling a potential shift toward a more balanced and pluralistic political framework.
