New Delhi, Feb 13 (NationPress) The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) has achieved a resounding victory in the elections. On February 12, the nation participated in voting for the first time since the uprising that resulted in the removal of Sheikh Hasina. Concurrently, citizens were presented with a decision on a constitutional reform initiative under the “July National Charter” (Constitutional Amendment) Implementation Order 2025.

Local media have reported that a significant majority of those who cast their votes supported the reform initiative. One report indicated that 73 percent of the votes counted favored the referendum. However, an official announcement regarding the referendum results has yet to be released.

At present, the nation operates under a parliamentary system. Should the referendum receive approval, a new legislative body known as the Upper House would be established, consisting of 100 seats allocated based on party vote shares during general elections. This change would necessitate that constitutional amendments obtain approval from both Houses, requiring a two-thirds majority in the lower house and a simple majority in the Upper House.

Moreover, the impeachment of the President would require a two-thirds majority in both legislative chambers. Following these changes, it would become mandatory for the deputy speaker of the lower house to be from the opposition party, and reserved seats for women would gradually expand to 100. Any significant international treaty pertaining to national security would also require approval from both Houses.

The reform package aims to reinstate the caretaker government system, which had previously been eliminated. The establishment of such a government would depend on the consensus among the ruling party, the opposition, and the second opposition party.

While Muhammad Yunus, who leads the interim government, has described the reform as revolutionary, skepticism remains prevalent.

Numerous proposals within the reform could potentially overturn fundamental constitutional principles.

Experts suggest that the referendum represents an effort to amend the Constitution, thereby ending a continuity that has persisted for nearly 55 years. Additionally, there is no provision for a plebiscite, even if the government secured the President's signature on the matter.

Media reports indicate that a majority of the populace has endorsed the implementation of this reform, obligating the government to proceed.

The implementation would result in the formation of a bicameral Parliament. Experts are questioning this move, as the Constitution currently does not permit it, leading to potential legal challenges that may prolong the resolution in court.

Since its inception in 1971, Bangladesh has undergone three referendums—1977, 1985, and 1991.

Both the 1977 and 1985 referendums were conducted under military governance, while the 1991 referendum was aimed at creating provisions for a caretaker government to oversee the conduct of national elections.

All three past referendums received overwhelming support, ranging from 84.38 to 98.88 percent.

The initial two referendums inquired whether the public had confidence in the sitting president and his policies, while the third sought approval for transitioning from a presidential system back to parliamentary democracy.

Experts argue that a closer examination of the reform reveals attempts to dismantle the 1972 Constitution of Bangladesh. Should this reform be enacted, it could pose a threat to the very foundation of the nation.

Yunus has fervently advocated for the reform, which also acknowledges the interim government he leads. He is striving to solidify his legacy, which has been tainted by violence. In a nationwide address on February 9, Yunus urged a “Yes” vote for the proposed package. He asserted that a victory for the “Yes” vote in the referendum would pave the way for a brighter future for Bangladesh, framing the referendum as a step toward a civilized society from chaos.