Referendum Likely to Be Held on the Day of the National Election

The government is planning to hold a referendum on the same day as the national election. At the same time, instead of one, four questions may be included by modifying the existing structure.

Amidst the counter ultimatums from political parties regarding the July National Charter and the referendum, the government appears to be sending a message of compromise by taking a balanced stance. However, no formal response has yet been received from the parties.

As there is no suitable time to hold a referendum before the national election, the government is planning to announce that the referendum will take place on the election day itself. To ensure balance, initiatives are being taken to adjust the process. Several sources told the media that preparations are underway to change the traditional format of the referendum. Normally, a referendum involves a single “yes or no” question, but this time, four such questions will be included.

The first question will be whether to implement the issues agreed upon by all parties. The second question will focus on the PR system. The third may address whether the charter should be implemented with the note of dissent, and the fourth will ask whether to implement it without the note of dissent.

Major political parties reaffirmed their firm positions on the July National Charter yesterday. According to the BNP, there is neither logic nor time for an early referendum. They argue that holding the referendum on the same day as the national election, using a small ballot, would be the most logical, relevant, acceptable, and cost-effective approach.

Conversely, Jamaat-e-Islami warned that if their five-point demand—including the legal basis of the July National Charter—is not met by November 16, the eight-party alliance will stage an indefinite sit-in in front of the Chief Adviser’s residence, Jamuna. Meanwhile, the National Citizen Party (NCP), another stakeholder of the July Charter, strongly supports holding the referendum before the election and excluding the BNP’s note of dissent. Smaller parties are backing the positions of their respective alliances and have not taken separate stances. The interim government is thus moving toward a balanced decision.

The government will soon announce its final decision. Several advisers have held multiple meetings and discussed the matter with political parties and experts. A top government official told the media that the government will make a decision that all parties can accept regarding the timing and implementation of the July National Charter and the referendum. He added that the government will not take a biased decision but will harmonize the various political positions.

Government sources revealed that the order on the July National Charter has been finalized. The matter may be decided today at the meeting of the Advisory Council, where Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus is expected to sign the order. Adviser Asif Nazrul stated that discussions are ongoing in the council to ensure a balanced decision that aligns with the interests of all parties and the nation.

Meanwhile, several political leaders said they are still unaware of what decision the government will take. They told the media that their next steps will depend on the government’s announcement, after which their respective forums will discuss and determine their positions. They believe the government will make its decision considering the political realities, as this interim administration was formed with the cooperation of various political parties during the July movement.

BNP ally and Bangladesh LDP Chairman Shahadat Hossain Selim said he believes the government will not make any decision that could inflame political tensions. He expressed confidence that the government will reach a fair and peaceful solution through dialogue. Similarly, Bangladesh Revolutionary Workers Party General Secretary Saiful Haque said the government must act with caution and foresight on the matter of including four questions in the referendum. He expects the parties’ positions to become clear in the coming days.

To establish good governance, democracy, and social justice through reforms—and to prevent the return of authoritarian rule—the interim government formed six reform commissions on the constitution, electoral system, judiciary, public administration, police, and anti-corruption mechanisms. To build consensus on these reforms, a National Consensus Commission was established. After discussions with 30 parties and alliances, the July National Charter was drafted with 84 proposals. Of these, 26 parties and alliances have already signed the charter, pledging to implement the reforms.

Khaborwala/TSN