Referendum ‘Yes’ Vote Paves the Way for Constitutional Changes
Out of more than 127.7 million registered voters, 60.26 percent participated in the referendum. The “Yes” vote secured 48,074,429 ballots, while “No” received 22,565,627 votes—resulting in a decisive endorsement of the proposals.
What Changes Could Follow?
With the approval of the “Yes” vote, implementation will move into the third phase of executing 48 constitutional reform proposals outlined in the July National Charter. Among them, 19 have been identified as fundamental reforms.
Key proposed changes include:
Limiting any individual to a maximum of 10 years as Prime Minister.
Prohibiting the same person from simultaneously serving as Prime Minister and party chief.
Redistributing executive powers currently concentrated in the Prime Minister’s office.
The proposals also suggest expanding certain presidential powers, including authority over appointments to major institutions such as the Human Rights Commission, Information Commission, Press Council, Law Commission, the Governor of Bangladesh Bank, and the Energy Regulatory Commission.
Additional measures aim to enhance lawmakers’ voting independence and establish greater checks and balances among state organs. If implemented, the next parliament would become bicameral, and the constitutional amendment process would be revised—making unilateral amendments by a single party more difficult.
Three-Phase Implementation Plan
The reform roadmap outlines three stages. The first began on November 13, when the President issued the July National Charter (Constitutional Reform) Implementation Order, 2025. The second stage was the referendum.
The third stage will involve forming a Constitutional Reform Council composed of elected members of the next parliament, who will serve concurrently in that body. The council is expected to complete the reform process within 180 working days from its first session. However, the order does not clearly specify the consequences if the deadline is not met.
