Explained | What is 'July Charter' and why is Bangladesh holding a national referendum alongside general election?

Bangladesh is voting today in a crucial general election, the first since the ouster of prime minister Sheikh Hasina in massive nationwide protests in August 2024. The contest is directly between the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and its once ally Jamaat-e-Islami, in the absence of Hasina's now-disbanded Awami League.

The voting started in 299 out of 300 parliamentary constituencies across the country from 7:30 am (local time) and will continue until 4:30 pm. The counting of votes is expected to begin shortly after the voting concludes.

Along with the election, Bangladesh will also hold a national referendum on Thursday, which will give people a chance to vote on reforms to state institutions.

Bangladesh held three referendums before the Hasina government ‌abolished the provision in 2011. A High Court reinstated it in 2024 after she was ousted.

While the 1977 and 1985 referendums asked people if they had confidence in ⁠the then presidents ⁠and their policies, the third, in 1991, asked whether Bangladesh should return from a presidential system to parliamentary democracy.

People overwhelmingly voted "yes" in all three referendums.

Here is a ⁠look at why the referendum is being held, ‌and what it entails.

Why is referendum needed?

The referendum focuses on implementing the 'July Charter' drafted after the 2024 uprising to establish good governance, democracy, and social justice through institutional reforms, and to prevent "recurrence of authoritarian and fascist rule".

The interim government that took power after Hasina's ​ouster approved the charter's implementation ⁠order in November, saying public approval was necessary for key changes.

What are people voting on?

Voters will decide on four major reforms, including the creation of new constitutional bodies and the introduction of a bicameral parliament whose ⁠upper house ‌whose majority approval shall be needed for constitutional amendments.

Other questions cover the implementation of 30 charter reforms - including term limits ‌for prime ministers and enhanced presidential powers, along with broader changes in line with political parties' ⁠commitments.

How's this done?

Each person will cast their vote by secret ballot.

If a majority votes in ‌favour, a Constitutional Reform Council will be formed to complete ‌the reforms within 180 working days from its first session.

With Reuters inputs