Referendum: Can interim govt campaign for 'Yes' vote?
The Chief Adviser’s Office instructed that the banners highlight the constitutional reforms in the referendum, with messages such as: “Vote ‘Yes’ to implement all reforms; vote ‘No’ and gain nothing. For change, vote ‘Yes’”
The interim government has launched a campaign urging a "Yes" vote in the upcoming July Charter referendum, scheduled to be held with the national election on 12 February. The effort is being coordinated through the Chief Adviser's Office and across all ministries, divisions, and departments, as well as private-sector entities, including garment factories, banks, and NGOs.
This has sparked debate over whether an interim government is legally allowed to advocate for a particular outcome in a national referendum.
Ali Riaz, special assistant to the chief adviser, defended the campaign, saying the interim government, born of a popular uprising, must secure a "Yes" vote in the July Charter referendum to implement reforms.
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However, constitution specialist Shahdeen Malik said the government cannot campaign to influence a 'Yes' outcome as such activities constitute direct government interference in the voting process and could make the country more politically unstable in the future.
I have never seen an interim or caretaker government, which organises elections, openly ask for a 'Yes' vote in any election or referendum. No legal or ethical standard allows such behaviour
In a letter to the BGMEA on 5 January, the Chief Adviser's Office directed the garment exporters' association to display two banners at each of its member factories promoting the referendum and raising voter awareness.
In addition, an NGO-led campaign has been planned: the NGO Bureau convened a meeting today (8 January), after which NGOs will coordinate with district and upazila administrations to run campaigns, particularly in areas where government outreach is limited.
The Chief Adviser's Office instructed that the banners highlight the constitutional reforms in the referendum, with messages such as: "Vote 'Yes' to implement all reforms; vote 'No' and gain nothing. For change, vote 'Yes'."
Similarly, in a meeting on 4 January chaired by Professor Ali Riaz, it was decided that all government, semi-government, and autonomous offices would conduct coordinated referendum campaigns, according to meeting minutes seen by TBS.
Asked about this on 6 January, Ali Riaz told TBS, "This government is not like previous caretaker governments; it is an interim government that emerged from a popular uprising, with a top agenda of reforms, visible justice, and elections. To implement reforms, the July Charter must secure a 'Yes' vote in the referendum.
This government is not like previous caretaker ones; it has emerged from an uprising, with a top agenda of reforms. The July Charter must secure a 'Yes' vote in the referendum
"The reform commissions, including the Consensus Commission, were formed precisely for the July Charter and reforms. We have consulted constitutional experts, legal specialists, and experienced advisors, and there is no legal restriction or obstacle to the government conducting a campaign in favour of a 'Yes' vote. Our referendum-related activities are ongoing in full compliance with the law."
Riaz added, "We have been in discussion with various ministries and organisations, and now we will conduct a full-scale campaign in support of the 'Yes' vote."
At an online meeting of the Ministry of Agriculture yesterday, Ali Riaz said that the purpose of this referendum is to ensure that Bangladesh does not return to a fascist system.
From social media to schools – campaign in full swing
In the 4 January meeting, it was decided that the referendum campaign would run alongside the national election campaign, covering all administrative levels, including upazilas, districts, city corporations, municipalities, and unions.
The Chief Adviser's Office instructed heads of government departments to promote the referendum on their official Facebook pages, with all officials required to tag the posts. The Cabinet Division will ensure compliance.
Public awareness will include banners and posters at tourist spots, hotels, restaurants, bus stands, ferry terminals, train stations, and airports, while leaflets will be displayed on buses, trains, launches, and ferries.
In the education sector, schools, colleges, and universities will host banners and awareness programmes, with active participation from teachers and students. The Ministry of Education and relevant departments will oversee the efforts.
Urban areas will see digital billboards, banners, festoons, miking, and local police support. Expenses will come from institutions' own budgets under the supervision of the Local Government Division.
Religious leaders will promote the referendum at mosques, temples, churches, and pagodas, under the Ministry of Religious Affairs. The ICT Division will create a dedicated website, run social media campaigns, and counter misinformation at the district and upazila levels.
The Ministry of Culture is producing 30 video contents to support the campaign; seven have been completed so far. These will be broadcast via mobile campaign vehicles across districts and upazilas.
The Financial Institutions Division will ensure banners in all government and private banks, while the Ministry of Foreign Affairs will raise awareness among Bangladeshis living abroad.
July Charter: Signatures and dissent
The interim government has unveiled the July National Charter, proposing 11 key reforms. These include preventing the ruling party from making unilateral constitutional changes, introducing a referendum, limiting the prime minister's term to 10 years, appointing a deputy speaker from the opposition, forming a bicameral parliament, ensuring balance between the president and prime minister, and restricting the president from granting arbitrary pardons.
A total of 26 political parties, including the BNP and Jamaat, signed the charter. However, the BNP issued a "note of dissent" on nine proposals, while four parties, including the NCP – formed by leaders of the July uprising – did not sign.
On 28 October, the National Consensus Commission submitted recommendations to the interim government's Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus, suggesting constitutional amendments be approved via a referendum, which could be held on or before the national election.
On 29 October, the BNP criticised the commission's recommendations, citing inconsistencies and noting that the note of dissent was not included in the report.
Since political parties could not agree on the referendum date, the government decided to conduct it alongside the national election.
It is worth noting that the BNP is focusing its campaign solely on the national election, while Jamaat and NCP are campaigning for both the referendum and the election.
Interim govt shouldn't influence referendum: Experts
However, prominent legal experts have said that the government cannot campaign for a "Yes" vote in the referendum.
Shahdeen Malik said, "I have never seen an interim or caretaker government, which organises elections, openly ask for a 'Yes' vote in any election or referendum. To my knowledge, no legal or ethical standard allows such behaviour. It is clearly illegal and unethical."
"In any election, citizens vote freely according to their constitutional rights. This is a universal principle. For the government to solicit votes for any side or act in favour of one option is entirely against the law," he told TBS.
Former Dhaka University law professor Ridwanul Hoque said that this is a political matter for parties, and the spirit of an interim government is apolitical.
Another legal expert, speaking anonymously, told TBS that the government must remain neutral to ensure citizens' opinions are fairly reflected.
Election Commissioner Abul Fazal Md Sanaullah said the government can raise awareness about the referendum's importance without promoting a 'Yes' or 'No' vote.
At a discussion titled "Referendum 2026: What and Why?", organised by Shushashoner Jonno Nagorik (SHUJAN), the interim government's Labour Adviser and former election commissioner Brig Gen (retd) M Sakhawat Hossain said if the interim government alone takes on the task of explaining the referendum to the public, it will raise many questions. The Election Commission must also take to the field on the referendum, and that the government will provide whatever support is needed.
In a meeting on Tuesday, NGO Bureau Director Daud Mia said, "NGOs will help inform voters about the implications of a 'Yes' or 'No' vote during the upcoming parliamentary election, with a follow-up meeting scheduled for Thursday."
