What Is Bangladesh's 'July Charter' Referendum?
Recently, Bangladesh held its 13th general elections, held after the deadly uprising in 2024, dismissing the old political regime. The polls in Bangladesh were unique as voters were asked to cast ballots twice – once to choose their next Prime Minister and again to give their consent to the ‘July Charter’, seeking to overhaul the nation’s governance structure.
The referendum was held across all 64 districts under tight security and international observation. Early counts on Friday suggest a commanding lead for the ‘Yes’ vote, with most constituencies reporting strong backing from both urban and rural regions, as most major parties, even those with minor disagreements over details, campaigned in favour of the Charter.
As per the latest trends, the July Charter has garnered over 65.3% of the vote. If confirmed, the new Parliament will function as a Constitutional Reform Council and will be required to complete the reforms within 180 working days.
This is the first time Bangladesh has held a referendum since 1991, and the first time it has allowed widespread mail-in and overseas voting.
July Charter
The July National Charter (Constitutional Amendment) Implementation Order, 2025, is a 28-page political agreement signed by 25 political parties and the interim government led by Muhammad Yunus. Its goal is to transform Bangladesh into what many call the ‘Second Republic’ – a state designed to prevent any future return to authoritarianism.
It aims at strengthening democracy and preventing authoritarian rule. Voters will decide on key reforms, including a bicameral parliament and new constitutional bodies.
If approved, a Constitutional Reform Council will implement the changes withing 180 working days.
Bangladesh held three referendums earlier the Hasina government abolished the provision in 2011. A High Court reinstated it in 2024 after she was ousted.
The referendum make provision for a limited Prime Minister tenure of not more than 10 years in their lifetime. PM can no longer serve as the head of the party and the head of the government together. The PM can no longer declare a state of emergency alone.
A bicameral legislature will be introduced. The existing Jatiya Sangsad becomes the lower house and a new 100-member upper house will be created. One-fourth seats will be alloted for the women in lower house.
