Kathmandu. Bangladesh has revealed that 65.3 per cent of the votes in the referendum held in favour of constitutional reform. This indicates that the agenda of sweeping political transformation proposed after the 2024 uprising has gained popular support.

The referendum, held on the sidelines of the general election, was aimed at the implementation of an 84-point reform proposal called the July Charter. The proposal calls for a profound change in the constitutional structure to prevent a repeat of authoritarian regimes in the future. According to the Daily Star, more than 27 lakh voters are in favor of reform.

The proposed reforms include a clear provision for the formation of a caretaker government, the establishment of a fully independent election commission, the introduction of a bicameral parliament, delimitation of the tenure of the prime minister, restructuring the powers of the president, strengthening the independence of the judiciary and increasing the representation of women in parliament. Preliminary results show a positive view of voters on these issues.

Preliminary count shows that the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) is leading. According to media estimates, the BNP and its allies won 181 of the 299 directly elected seats, while the Jamaat and its allies won 61 seats. Counting of votes has been completed in 249 constituencies and the process is underway in 50 constituencies. However, the Election Commission is yet to announce the official results.

The election and referendum, which took place after the death of former prime minister Khaleda Zia and the ban on Sheikh Hasina’s Awami League, have been hailed as a significant step towards political restructuring in Bangladesh. The Election Commission is preparing to make a formal announcement.