Yunus Urges 'Yes' in Bangladesh Referendum on Sweeping Reform Charter

Overview

• In a televised address, interim chief Muhammad Yunus called for a 'yes' vote and the government machinery began campaigning for approval.
• The referendum will be held on February 12 alongside the general election as a single question covering four reform areas, prompting concerns over a binary choice.
• The 84-point July National Charter-2025 proposes a 10-year limit on any prime minister, an independent judiciary, a bicameral parliament with an upper house, and curbs on presidential pardons.
• Jurists argue the Constitution provides no mechanism for such a plebiscite and say elements of the charter and related gazette conflict with existing provisions.
• Major parties including the BNP and Jamaat-e-Islami signed the charter with dissent but are not campaigning for approval, while the student-led NCP is actively urging a 'yes' vote.