CA expects unanimous ‘yes’ in July referendum

Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus yesterday said political parties have endorsed the July Charter and expressed confidence that they would campaign for "yes" votes in the referendum.

"I don't think any party will seek a 'no' vote," he said.

At a meeting with Paola Pampaloni, acting managing director for Asia-Pacific at the European External Action Service, he said the referendum, to be held alongside the general election scheduled for February 12, would mark a historic moment for the country.

"People in this country have not been able to vote in free and fair elections for the past 16 years under autocratic rule. This time, they will vote festively."

The referendum will ask voters to approve the July Charter, a reform framework agreed upon by major political parties as part of the transition process. The charter focuses on strengthening democratic institutions, restoring electoral credibility, limiting the concentration of executive power, and safeguarding fundamental rights.

The chief adviser's special envoy Lutfey Siddiqi; SDG Coordinator and Senior Secretary Lamiya Morshed; and European Union Ambassador to Bangladesh Michael Miller were present at the meeting.

Meanwhile, Prof Ali Riaz, special assistant to the chief adviser, as the chief guest of a virtual meeting with agriculture ministry officials yesterday said that the purpose of the referendum is to ensure that Bangladesh does not return "to a fascist system".

"This opportunity for a referendum will not come again in the next five or 10 years. Everyone must work together to seize this opportunity to determine how Bangladesh will move forward."