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

[Saif]

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.​

 

[Saif]

Tarique Rahman urges ‘Yes’ vote in referendum

BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman on Friday called upon all to cast a ‘Yes’ vote in the upcoming referendum to be held together with the national election on February 12 next. Addressing a massive public rally at the historic Collectorate Eidgah ground in Rangpur, Tarique Rahman emphasised

thefinancialexpress.com.bd

Tarique Rahman urges ‘Yes’ vote in referendum

UNB
Published :
Jan 31, 2026 00:21
Updated :
Jan 31, 2026 00:21

BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman on Friday called upon all to cast a ‘Yes’ vote in the upcoming referendum to be held together with the national election on February 12 next.

Addressing a massive public rally at the historic Collectorate Eidgah ground in Rangpur, Tarique Rahman emphasised the importance of national unity.

“Rangpur is sacred soil, sanctified by the blood of Abu Sayed. It is our moral obligation to uphold the ‘July Charter’—the cause for which Abu Sayed, Wasim, and approximately 1,400 martyrs laid down their lives,” he said.

The BNP chief urged people to safeguard the solidarity displayed by ordinary citizens during the August 5 uprising and remain vigilant in exercising their democratic rights on the polling day.

Developmental Vision for Rangpur

Highlighting his specific plans for the region, the BNP Chairman sought to dispel the image of Rangpur as a deprived area.

Regarding industrial growth, he said BNP has a plan to transform the region by establishing agro-based industries.

About entrepreneurial support, the BNP leader said his party will provide special facilities for business owners and creating widespread employment opportunities.

On digital Economy, Tarique Rahman said they will offer temporary tax exemptions for IT companies to encourage investment.

Regarding the rural economy and gender equality, he detailed several key pledges:

Debt Relief: Waiver of agricultural loans up to Tk 10,000 under a BNP administration.

Farming Support: Provision of agricultural cards and the free distribution of seeds and pesticides for at least one crop cycle.

Women’s Empowerment: Introduction of ‘family cards’ to ensure economic independence and the protection of rights for women.

Addressing the enthusiastic crowd, he asked, “We have shared our plans; what are yours?”

In response, the audience chanted the BNP election symbol, ‘Dhaner Sheesh’ (Sheaf of Paddy).

The BNP leader urged supporters to perform their Fajr prayers before heading to the polling stations to cast their votes.​

 

[Saif]

Protect the referendum’s integrity

Civil servants must remain neutral

www.thedailystar.net

Protect the referendum’s integrity

Civil servants must remain neutral

31 January 2026, 06:16 AM

That the government employees have been campaigning for a “Yes” vote in the upcoming referendum on the July charter, scheduled to be held alongside the 13th parliamentary election on February 12, in violation of the law is deeply concerning. Government advisers and senior officials have reportedly been actively promoting a “Yes” vote for the referendum, raising concerns about legality, neutrality, and the overall credibility of the process. Now the EC has clearly stated that government employees may inform the public about the referendum, but they must not campaign for a “Yes” or a “No” vote. The government must take cognisance of this.

According to Section 21 of the Referendum Ordinance, 2025, and Article 86 of the Representation of the People Order, 1972, any misuse of official position to influence the outcome of a referendum or election may constitute a punishable offence, carrying imprisonment of one to five years along with fines. Reportedly, the EC has issued letters to returning officers, cabinet secretaries, and secretaries of all ministries and divisions, reminding them of their legal obligations. Election officers, while on deputation under the EC during this period, are explicitly bound to prioritise electoral responsibilities over other duties. The EC, however, did not address the role of the advisers. Banners advocating a “Yes” vote are being displayed in government offices nationwide, and senior government advisers have publicly urged citizens to vote “Yes” in the referendum. When civil servants campaign for one side, it seriously undermines the credibility and fairness of the referendum process.

Understandably, a “Yes” vote in the referendum will open the door for an array of significant reforms. The new parliament, alongside its regular duties, would function as a constitutional reform council to oversee these changes. While proponents of the “Yes” campaign argue that there is no legal barrier to such advocacy, the EC’s letter, grounded in the existing law, makes it clear that campaigning by civil servants would constitute a punishable offence. However, we have yet to learn of the government’s clear position in response to the EC’s letter.

We believe it would be unwise for the government to create any situation that renders the referendum controversial. It must ensure that the law is not violated by its advisers and senior officials, who must fully respect the EC’s directives. The EC, for its part, must remain vigilant and ready to enforce the law decisively, sending a clear message that violations will not be tolerated. Only by keeping the civil servants neutral and the state machinery impartial can the referendum and the general election be conducted in a manner worthy of public trust.​