[🇧🇩] Will the political parties and voters support referendum on July Charter?

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Economist Rehman Sobhan doubts government is holding referendum to genuinely implement reforms

Economist Rehman Sobhan has expressed doubts over whether the government is pursuing a referendum simply to appease former interim minister Mahfuj Alam and his colleagues. On Thursday evening, Rehman criticised the lack of public awareness regarding the proposed reforms in the July National Charte

thefinancialexpress.com.bd

Economist Rehman Sobhan doubts government is holding referendum to genuinely implement reforms

bdnews24.com
Published :
Jan 29, 2026 22:56
Updated :
Jan 29, 2026 22:56
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Economist Rehman Sobhan has expressed doubts over whether the government is pursuing a referendum simply to appease former interim minister Mahfuj Alam and his colleagues.

On Thursday evening, Rehman criticised the lack of public awareness regarding the proposed reforms in the July National Charter.

“We have created an imaginary situation around reforms and are now trying to validate it through a referendum, which is being conducted rather opaquely,” he said.

Rehman argued that asking citizens a simple “Yes” or “No” on 38 complex reform proposals, of which the general public knows little, reduces the exercise to a “meaningless proposal”.

He added, “I have not heard any leader from the two main alliances -- the BNP or Jamaat-e-Islami -- explain that these 38 reforms are essential for rethinking democracy or create public awareness on them. No one has addressed it.”

Rehman also criticised the government’s claim that it is pursuing reforms, calling it a “false statement”.

“For an interim government in office for just 18 months, implementing reforms is impossible. Reform is a process that requires legislation, parliamentary debate, and proper execution by a sitting government.”

He condemned the government’s campaign promoting a “Yes” vote, pointing to Ali Riaz, bank employees, and a small number of NGO workers mobilised to persuade citizens.

“This is a completely insignificant proposal,” he said.

Rehman suggested the real motive may be political: “My suspicion is that Mahfuj and his colleagues are being appeased, ensuring the situation does not revert to previous conditions.

“This appears to be a cosmetic arrangement to create the impression that reforms are under way.”

He warned, “Until a five-year government assumes office capable of implementing reforms and we can assess their quality and sincerity, reforms do not truly occur.

“Written proposals hold no value until execution.”

The referendum will coincide with the parliamentary elections on Feb 12, presenting voters with a summary of four issues, without options for separate decisions -- only a “Yes” or “No” choice.

Former information advisor Mahfuj and University of London professor Naomi Hossain also participated in the conference discussion.​