Bangladeshvoters have shown overwhelming support for constitutional reforms in a recent referendum held alongside the 13thparliamentary elections. Approximately 65.3% of voters endorsed a comprehensive 84-point reform package known as the "July Charter", a document born out of the 2024 uprising that proposes sweeping constitutional reforms in order to save the country from future authoritarian rule. According to the Daily Star, the referendum in Bangladesh saw a sweeping YES, with 65.3%, approximately 27,00,844 votes in favour of it.
A National Consensus Commission headed by Yunus drafted the July Charter, incorporating over 80 reform proposals following consultations with several political parties, including former prime minister Khaleda Zia's Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and Jamaat-e-Islami. The July Charter seeks to reshape the country's politics and institutions and give constitutional recognition to the 2024 uprising that forced Sheikh Hasina, a long-time prime minister, to flee to India. It includes increased representation of women, limiting the prime minister's term, strengthening presidential powers, expanding fundamental rights and ensuring judicial independence.
Voters saying yes to the charter approve reforms, including the establishment of a caretaker government and an independent election commission, the introduction of a bicameral parliament, term limits for the prime minister, enhanced presidential powers, and increased women's representation in parliament, among other things.
Meanwhile, multiple projections from media outlets showed the BNP on course for securing a historic win in the elections, comfortably crossing the simple majority mark of 150 seats. The Daily Star media outlet reported that vote counting has been completed in 249 constituencies, with just 50 remaining. Of the 299 seats, BNP and allies have secured 181 seats, while Jamaat and allies have 61 seats.
The BNP's chairman, Tarique Rahman, has requested that the celebration of this victory be postponed out of respect for the passing of his mother, Khaleda Zia, before the election. Therefore, they have called for prayers for Khaleda Zia after the Friday congregational prayer.
Official results have not yet been delivered by the Bangladesh Election Commission, which is expected to issue its announcement on Friday.
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