The “Yes” vote won Thursday’s national referendum by a wide margin, paving the way for implementation of constitutional reform proposals outlined in the July National Charter.
The referendum was held alongside voting for the 13th National Parliament election.
Election Commission Senior Secretary Akhtar Hossain announced unofficial results Friday afternoon.
Of more than 127.7 million registered voters, turnout in the referendum was 60.26%.
According to unofficial results, 48,074,429 voters cast ballots in favor of the proposals, while 22,565,627 voted against them.
The approval of the referendum clears the way for implementation of 48 constitutional reform proposals contained in the July National Charter.
The reforms would reduce the concentration of executive authority in the prime minister’s office and expand presidential powers in certain areas. Under the current constitution, most executive authority is vested in the prime minister, and the president generally acts on the prime minister’s advice except in appointing the prime minister and chief justice.
Under the proposed changes:
Appointments to constitutional bodies would be made through committees comprising representatives of the ruling party, the opposition and, in some cases, members of the judiciary.
Members of Parliament would gain greater freedom to vote independently on legislation.
A bicameral parliament would be introduced, with a proportional representation system in the upper house.
Constitutional amendments would require approval by two-thirds of the lower house and a majority of the upper house, making unilateral amendments more difficult.
A person would be limited to serving as prime minister for a maximum of 10 years over their lifetime.
The prime minister would be barred from simultaneously serving as head of a political party.
The president would gain authority to appoint the heads of bodies including the Human Rights Commission, Information Commission, Press Council, Law Commission, Bangladesh Bank and the Energy Regulatory Commission without requiring advice or recommendation.
The reform agenda began after the fall of the Awami League government during the July mass uprising. An interim government led by Professor Muhammad Yunus took office on Aug. 8, 2024, pledging structural reforms.
In October 2024, the interim government formed six reform commissions covering the constitution, electoral system, judiciary, Anti-Corruption Commission, police and public administration. The commissions identified 166 key recommendations.
The National Consensus Commission began discussions with 30 political parties on Feb. 15 last year and reached agreement on 84 reform proposals. These formed the basis of the July National Charter.
Of the agreed proposals, 48 required constitutional amendment. The remainder can be implemented through legislation or executive orders.
The president issued the National Charter (Constitutional Amendment) Implementation Order, 2025, on Nov. 13 to provide a legal basis for the process.
The referendum marked the second stage of implementation.
With the “Yes” vote prevailing, the third stage will begin with the formation of a Constitutional Reform Council made up of representatives elected in the next parliamentary election. Members of Parliament will serve on the council.
The council is required to complete constitutional amendments within 180 working days from the first sitting of the new parliament. The implementation order does not specify consequences if that deadline is not met.
