Reporter Name 
Chief Adviser Dr Muhammad Yunus announced in a televised address on Thursday that the forthcoming national referendum will allow citizens to cast a “Yes” or “No” vote on four major issues related to constitutional reform under the framework of July Charter.
The referendum is scheduled to take place on the same day as the upcoming national parliamentary elections, he also stated.
In his national speech, Dr Yunus explained that the referendum question has been carefully formulated to reflect the key commitments of the July Charter, which was signed by political parties as a roadmap for democratic reform and institutional restructuring.
The ballot question will read: “Do you approve the implementation of the July National Charter (Constitutional Reform) Order 2025, and the following reform proposals recorded in the July National Charter?”
Voters will then be asked to give a single “Yes” or “No” answer covering the following four proposals:
(a) During election periods, the caretaker government, Election Commission, and other constitutional institutions will be formed according to the procedures outlined in the July Charter.
(b) The next parliament will be bicameral, with a 100-member upper house (Senate) composed in proportion to the votes received by political parties in the national election. Any constitutional amendment will require approval by a majority of the upper house.
(c) The July Charter’s 30 consensus proposals — including increased female representation in parliament, the appointment of a Deputy Speaker and parliamentary committee chairs from the opposition, limiting the tenure of the Prime Minister, enhancing presidential powers, expanding fundamental rights, ensuring judicial independence, and strengthening local government — will be binding on the victorious political parties after the election.
(d) Other reforms described in the July Charter will be implemented in accordance with the commitments made by the signatory political parties.
Chief Adviser Dr Yunus emphasized that the referendum is designed to give citizens a direct say in shaping the constitutional and political future of Bangladesh. “By casting your vote, you will determine whether the reforms agreed upon in the July Charter should guide the nation’s next phase of governance,” he said.
