The stage is set for a closer look National elections in Bangladesh are scheduled for Thursday, February 12. The election comes 19 months after Sheikh Hasina’s 16-year government was ousted by a student-led uprising in July 2024, after which she went into exile in India. After his ouster, an interim caretaker government was formed, with Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus appointed as interim chief adviser.
An official stands near ballot boxes and voting papers before they are distributed to various polling stations ahead of Thursday’s parliamentary election in Dhaka, Bangladesh. (AP)Also read: The student leaders who ousted Sheikh Hasina are ready to contest the elections in Bangladesh. Here’s who they are
Bangladesh will not be the only country with a history of violent coups, autocratic rule and political exile Although Thursday will vote for its next government, a national referendum will be held in July to decide whether to accept the National Charter.
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“Tomorrow is a day when two polls are going to be held. We will elect a new government together and at the same time decide the future structure of our beloved Bangladesh through a referendum,” Yunus said on Tuesday, adding that the elected government would take office soon.
On Monday, he made a final pitch for a July national charter and urged people to vote “yes” in Thursday’s referendum, supporting his proposed reform package, according to news agency PTI.
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According to Reuters, the ‘July Charter’ seeks reforms for good governance, democracy and social justice through institutional reforms and prevents “the recurrence of authoritarian and fascist regimes”.
What is the July National Charter?”If the ‘yes’ vote wins in the referendum, the future of Bangladesh will be shaped in a more positive way,” Yunus was quoted as saying, adding that a “yes” verdict would help keep “misgovernance” at bay. His administration actively campaigned in the run-up to the election to build public support for the 84-point reform package.
The July National Charter – named after the July 2024 student uprising – outlines plans for constitutional amendments, legal changes and new legislation. A National Consensus Commission formed by the Yunus-led interim government drafted the charter after discussions with major political parties other than Hasina’s Awami League.
Yunus announced the July National Charter at a ceremony on October 17, after extended negotiations between political parties and the National Consensus Commission he led. He described the charter as a step “from barbarism to a civilized society”.
There is a single question on the referendum ballot covering four major reform areas of the July Charter, with “yes” and “no” options for voters.
People will decide on four major reforms on Thursday, including the creation of a new constitutional body and the introduction of a bicameral parliament that would require upper house majority approval for constitutional amendments.
Other questions covered the implementation of 30 charter reforms – including term limits for prime ministers and extended presidential powers, with broader changes consistent with political parties’ commitments.
with input from organizations
