The referendum will give people a chance to vote on reforms to state institutions. Here is a look at why the referendum is being held, and what it entails.<\/p>\n
<\/a>Why is a referendum needed?<\/h2>\nThe referendum focuses on implementing the \u2018July Charter<\/a>\u2019 drafted after the 2024 uprising to establish good governance, democracy, and social justice through institutional reforms, and to prevent \u201crecurrence of authoritarian and fascist rule\u201d.<\/p>\nThe interim government that took power after Hasina\u2019s ouster approved the charter\u2019s implementation order in November, saying public approval was necessary for key changes.<\/p>\n\n![\"Voters](\"https:\/\/i.dawn.com\/primary\/2026\/02\/12110642e45c637.webp\")
<\/div>Voters stand in the queue to cast their vote at a polling station during the 13th general election in Dhaka, Bangladesh on February 12, 2026. \u2014 Reuters<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/a>What are people voting on?<\/h2>\nVoters will decide on four major reforms, including the creation of new constitutional bodies and the introduction of a bicameral parliament, whose upper house majority approval shall be needed for constitutional amendments.<\/p>\n
Other questions cover the implementation of 30 charter reforms \u2014 including term limits for prime ministers and enhanced presidential powers, along with broader changes in line with political parties\u2019 commitments.<\/p>\n
<\/a>How is the referendum being held?<\/h2>\nEach person will cast their vote by secret ballot.<\/p>\n
If a majority votes in favour, a Constitutional Reform Council will be formed to complete the reforms within 180 working days from its first session.<\/p>\n\n![\"Voters](\"https:\/\/i.dawn.com\/primary\/2026\/02\/12110409bc848bb.webp\")
<\/div>Voters stand in the queue to cast their vote at a polling station during the 13th general election in Dhaka, Bangladesh on February 12, 2026. \u2014 Reuters<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/a>Has Bangladesh held a referendum before?<\/h2>\nBangladesh held three referendums before the Hasina government abolished the provision in 2011. A High Court reinstated it in 2024 after she was ousted.<\/p>\n
While the 1977 and 1985 referendums asked people if they had confidence in the then-presidents and their policies, the third, in 1991, asked whether Bangladesh should return from a presidential system to parliamentary democracy.<\/p>\n
People overwhelmingly voted \u201cyes\u201d in all three referendums.<\/p>\n
<\/a>What do critics say?<\/h2>\nThe referendum has been criticised for denying voters the chance to decide on reforms individually, instead clubbing together multiple proposals to force a single yes-or-no answer.<\/p>\n
Critics say this confuses voters by presenting a complicated premise and limits their ability to properly understand and debate the reforms.<\/p>\n
The interim government and political parties have also drawn criticism for framing a \u201cyes\u201d vote as essential, which critics say shrinks space for dissent by implying voting \u201cno\u201d means rejecting reform altogether.<\/p>\n\n
The interim government that took power after Hasina\u2019s ouster approved the charter\u2019s implementation order in November, saying public approval was necessary for key changes.<\/p>\n Voters will decide on four major reforms, including the creation of new constitutional bodies and the introduction of a bicameral parliament, whose upper house majority approval shall be needed for constitutional amendments.<\/p>\n Other questions cover the implementation of 30 charter reforms \u2014 including term limits for prime ministers and enhanced presidential powers, along with broader changes in line with political parties\u2019 commitments.<\/p>\n Each person will cast their vote by secret ballot.<\/p>\n If a majority votes in favour, a Constitutional Reform Council will be formed to complete the reforms within 180 working days from its first session.<\/p>\n Bangladesh held three referendums before the Hasina government abolished the provision in 2011. A High Court reinstated it in 2024 after she was ousted.<\/p>\n While the 1977 and 1985 referendums asked people if they had confidence in the then-presidents and their policies, the third, in 1991, asked whether Bangladesh should return from a presidential system to parliamentary democracy.<\/p>\n People overwhelmingly voted \u201cyes\u201d in all three referendums.<\/p>\n The referendum has been criticised for denying voters the chance to decide on reforms individually, instead clubbing together multiple proposals to force a single yes-or-no answer.<\/p>\n Critics say this confuses voters by presenting a complicated premise and limits their ability to properly understand and debate the reforms.<\/p>\n The interim government and political parties have also drawn criticism for framing a \u201cyes\u201d vote as essential, which critics say shrinks space for dissent by implying voting \u201cno\u201d means rejecting reform altogether.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/a>What are people voting on?<\/h2>\n
<\/a>How is the referendum being held?<\/h2>\n
<\/div><\/a>Has Bangladesh held a referendum before?<\/h2>\n
<\/a>What do critics say?<\/h2>\n
![\"A](\"https:\/\/i.dawn.com\/primary\/2026\/02\/1211052848aef9a.webp\")
<\/div>