What Is July Charter? Why Bangladesh Is Holding A Referendum Alongside 2026 Elections
As Bangladesh votes in its 2026 general election today, people are also taking part in an important national referendum.
The referendum is about something called the July Charter, a reform plan that could change how the country is governed.
The July Charter is a set of reform proposals created after the July–August 2024 student protests, which led to the fall of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s government.
The protests first began over a government job quota issue. But they quickly turned into a larger movement against alleged corruption, authoritarian rule, and unfair elections.
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After the government changed, student leaders and civil society groups prepared a reform blueprint. This plan later became known as the July Charter. It aims to bring a stronger democracy, better governance, and more accountability in Bangladesh.
It is not a new Constitution. Instead, it is a proposal to change and improve the existing political system.
The interim government led by Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus said such major reforms should get direct approval from the people. That is why a referendum is being held on the same day as the parliamentary election.
Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus cast his ballot in the 13th general election and referendum on the July National Charter at the Gulshan Model School and College centre in Dhaka at 10:25 am on Thursday. pic.twitter.com/BRI6exEUFd
— Chief Adviser of the Government of Bangladesh (@ChiefAdviserGoB) February 12, 2026
Voters are being asked whether they support the implementation of the July Charter reforms.
If a majority votes “Yes,” a Constitutional Reform Council will be formed. This council will have 180 working days to complete the proposed reforms.
The referendum includes several major reform areas:
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Constitutional and Political Reforms
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Electoral Reforms
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Judicial and Institutional Independence
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Youth Representation in Politics
Some key proposals include:
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Introducing term limits for the Prime Minister
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Increasing certain powers of the President
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Creating new constitutional bodies
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Setting up a bicameral Parliament (with an Upper House)
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Making it harder to change the Constitution without wider approval
In simple terms, the reforms aim to reduce the concentration of power and strengthen democratic checks and balances.
Supporters say the July Charter is necessary to prevent a return to what they call a “two-dynasty system” dominated for years by the Awami League and the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP).
They believe the reforms will protect democracy and stop future authoritarian rule.
However, critics have raised concerns. They say voters are being asked to approve many reforms together in a single yes-or-no vote. This means people cannot choose which specific reforms they support or oppose.
Some also argue that presenting the vote as a choice between reform and no reform may limit open debate.
Bangladesh has held three national referendums in the past — in 1977, 1985, and 1991. However, the provision for referendums was removed in 2011 and restored in 2024 after political changes.
The July Charter referendum is happening at the same time as the 2026 general election. Many see it as a defining moment for Bangladesh’s political future.
