Asif Mahtab, former lecturer at BRAC University and prominent online activist, announced on Monday via a video message that he intends to vote ‘No’ in the upcoming national referendum. In his statement, Mahtab explained that, due to limited online activity over the past few weeks, he had been unable to respond directly to many questions from citizens. Following a surge of messages seeking his opinion, he has now made his stance explicit.
Mahtab addressed his followers in the video, stating: “Many of you have asked whether I will vote ‘Yes’ or ‘No’ on the July Charter. I am not particularly active online, but given the repeated questions from so many, I want to be clear—I will be voting ‘No’.”
He provided a brief rationale for his decision. According to Mahtab, Article 84 of the proposed July Charter stipulates that, if passed, Bangladesh would join the Open Government Partnership (OGP). He questioned the relevance of this provision, asking, “What exactly is the Open Government Partnership, and how does it relate to the movements we have fought for? Did we campaign to join the OGP?”
Mahtab further asserted that the OGP primarily advocates for the implementation of LGBTQ rights. “If the July Charter is approved, it will be formally enacted, and citizens will be expected to uphold LGBTQ rights. I have never campaigned for such measures in an open society, nor have most citizens. Yet these provisions would automatically take effect once the vote is cast,” he explained.
He also acknowledged his limited online engagement, noting that his decision was prompted by direct messages from a substantial number of people. Mahtab emphasised the importance of individual reflection and conscious choice, rather than the imposition of policies or social agendas via referendums.
The following table summarises the main aspects of his statement:
| Topic | Asif Mahtab’s Position | Notes / Commentary |
|---|---|---|
| Voting Decision | ‘No’ vote | Based on personal principles |
| July Charter Provision | Article 84 | Conditions Bangladesh’s participation in OGP |
| OGP Activities | Implementation of LGBTQ rights | Not linked to prior social movements |
| Online Engagement | Limited | Decision communicated after numerous inquiries |
| Principle-Based Response | Personal opinion | Opposes mandatory enforcement through voting |
Mahtab’s declaration is likely to generate both political and social discussion. He underscored the significance of citizens’ independent expression in a referendum and highlighted the importance of thoughtful, conscientious voting. His comments reflect a clear stance against using the referendum to enforce policies, advocating instead for informed and autonomous civic participation.
