Govt directs NGOs to join national referendum campaign

NGOs in Bangladesh will participate in campaigning for the upcoming national referendum, a workshop organised by the NGO Affairs Bureau (NGOAB) in Dhaka revealed today (8 January). 

Nearly 450 representatives from local and international NGOs attended the session, which focused on mobilising the public and explaining the potential outcomes of a "Yes" or "No" vote.

"Some 420 local NGOs and around 30 international NGOs were invited, and nearly 400 representatives participated," Barrister Md Khalilur Rahman Khan, director (Registration & Inspection) of NGOAB, told reporters.

The workshop, held at the bureau office, brought together executive directors and representatives from different NGOs. Discussions centred on raising awareness about the referendum, its legal framework, and social significance. NGO representatives were guided on how to encourage public participation through community outreach, advocacy meetings, and community radio programs.

"Our main goal is to ensure NGOs raise awareness so people participate in the referendum and understand their rights and benefits. NGOs play a crucial role in the country's socio-economic development, and we want them to continue this role," Khan said.

He also outlined the referendum's importance, explaining that a "Yes" vote would lead to key constitutional and institutional reforms, including the formation of caretaker governments and a strengthened Election Commission, a bicameral parliament with a 100-member upper house, term limits for the prime minister, increased representation of women in parliament, independent judiciary, expanded fundamental rights, and recognition of minority languages alongside Bengali. A "No" vote would prevent these reforms.

The chief coordinator of the government's referendum campaign, Prof Ali Riaz, said that the country's current constitutional and state structure gives those in power opportunities to become fascist. "This path must be stopped by securing a 'yes' vote in the upcoming referendum," he said.

Emphasising civic responsibility, Professor Riaz urged NGOs to mobilise public opinion and ensure maximum participation. "Those who sacrificed their lives during the July Uprising to establish democracy, and those who continue to suffer oppression, have entrusted us with this responsibility through their sacrifice," he said.

NGO representatives were instructed to coordinate with district and upazila administrations to conduct outreach, ensure coverage without duplication, and reach areas where government programs cannot easily operate. The referendum will be held alongside the 13th national parliamentary election on 12 February. 

The Election Commission has already launched a nationwide awareness campaign using banners and leaflets. The materials explain the key proposals of the July National Charter (Constitutional Reform) 2025 and ask voters: "Do you agree with the implementation of the July National Charter 2025 and the constitutional reforms outlined therein? (Yes/No)"

The leaflets and banners detail the main provisions, including caretaker governments during elections, bicameral parliament formation, enhanced women's representation, appointment of deputy speakers and parliamentary committee chairs from opposition parties, prime ministerial term limits, judicial independence, fundamental rights, and the implementation of the 30 agreed reforms in the July National Charter.