Bangladesh to Hold Landmark Constitutional Referendum Alongside February Elections

Bangladesh is preparing for a crucial political moment as over 127 million voters head to the polls on February 12 to elect 300 members of parliament from nearly 2,000 candidates. The general election will be accompanied by a significant constitutional referendum on the July National Charter (JC), marking a potential turning point for the country’s democratic institutions.

The referendum, only the second in Bangladesh’s history, follows the political upheaval of July-August 2024 that led to the collapse of Sheikh Hasina’s government and the installation of an interim administration led by Professor Muhammad Yunus.

“Bangladesh is a multi-ethnic, multi-religious, multi-lingual and multi-cultural country where the coexistence and due dignity of all communities shall be ensured,” states a key provision in the July National Charter Implementation Order. This declaration represents a meaningful shift in how the nation defines itself constitutionally.

The Charter, signed in October 2025 by the National Consensus Commission and 25 political parties, contains over 80 proposals for reform. The referendum asks voters to approve several fundamental changes to Bangladesh’s governance system, including the restoration of caretaker governments to conduct polls, the creation of a bicameral parliament with an upper house elected by proportional representation, increased representation for women, and the election of parliamentary committee chairs from opposition parties.

Constitutional experts Muhammad Ekramul Haque and Sumit Bisarya note that the charter represents “only one step in a long journey,” but could significantly strengthen democratic institutions if implemented.

The referendum also addresses citizenship definitions, proposing to replace the ethnically-focused term “Bangalees” with the more civic identity of “Bangladeshi.” Other reforms include expanded language rights and stronger protections for the judiciary.

Bangladesh’s literacy rate of approximately 80 percent—higher than several Indian states—positions the country reasonably well for such a democratic exercise, though challenges remain in ensuring widespread understanding of the complex reforms.

In the electoral landscape, the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), led by Tarique Rehman following the recent death of his mother Begum Khaleda Zia, is contesting all 300 seats and is considered a frontrunner. The Democratic United Front of Left parties is contesting 149 seats, while Jamaat-e-Islami leads a 12-party alliance contesting 298 seats.

The Jamaat-e-Islami has undergone significant transformation in recent years, moderating some positions and making notable overtures to minority communities. Party leader Dr. Shafiqur Rahman recently appealed directly to Hindu voters, declaring: “We have become the chowkidaar of their respect and wealth of their lives. No one will be able to look at them with an evil gaze.”

The party has also modernized its approach to women’s participation, with its women’s wing now boasting over 500,000 active members. While not fielding female candidates under its own symbol, it has pledged to include women in cabinet positions if voted into power and supports women candidates from allied parties.

Bangladesh’s election comes amid complex regional dynamics, with India’s approach to the post-Hasina government drawing criticism for alleged misinformation campaigns. Some analysts note the contrast between India’s concerns about Islamic influence in Bangladesh while simultaneously developing diplomatic relations with Afghanistan’s Taliban government.

As Bangladesh navigates this critical democratic exercise, the outcome will significantly shape the country’s constitutional future and its approach to religious pluralism, women’s rights, and democratic institutions.