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Published : 12 Feb 2026, 02:26 PM
Afsana Akter, a resident of Kunipara, arrived at Adarsha School and College in Tejgaon, Dhaka, to cast her vote. Asked whether she had any idea about the referendum being held alongside the parliamentary election, she answered in a single word: “Somewhat”.
While Afsana suggested she had at least a partial understanding, many others arriving to vote appeared far less certain about what the referendum was, or why it was taking place.
Mitu Akter, who lives in Begunbari, also turned up at the same polling centre. When asked whether she knew about the referendum, she responded with a question of her own: “What is a referendum?”
On Thursday, the country is holding its fourth referendum, alongside the national election.
Visits to at least three polling centres in Dhaka, along with information gathered from several others, indicate that most voters have limited knowledge of the referendum. Even those who say they are aware of it do not appear to be fully informed.
Shariful Islam, who came to vote at Banani Adarsha Bidyaniketan School and College, also expressed uncertainty about the referendum.
“I’ll be honest, I don’t really know much about the referendum. But I voted,” he told bdnews24.com.
Another voter at the same centre, Saiful Alam, echoed a similar sentiment. “I don’t have much idea about the referendum. Still, I voted. I voted the way my party told me to.”
Hasib Raiyan, also voting there, said: “I didn’t read about the referendum in detail. I roughly know what’s written on the ballot. I voted accordingly.”
At Mohammadpur Preparatory School and College, a voter named Nasir said: “If you want reform, you should vote "Yes" in the referendum.” His sister Tanisha, standing beside him, nodded in agreement.
At the Faculty of Fine Arts polling centre at Dhaka University, Abdul Kader Bepari also admitted he did not know what the referendum was about.
The 86-year-old voter said: “What is this? I don’t really know.”
Another voter at the same centre, Alim Mia, said: “I came to vote. But giving four questions together in the referendum is complicated. It would have been better if they were separate. It took a bit more time. I read them and then voted.”
At the Curzon Hall polling centre, Aditya Kumar said he had no confusion about the referendum.
“There has been a lot of debate about the referendum for some time. I have gained some understanding. As a citizen, it is my duty to take part in state reform. So I came from home having made my decision. I just cast my vote.”
Labannya Chowdhury, who also voted at the same centre, said she was aware of the issues at stake.
“The referendum is quite sensitive. I read and reviewed everything. After considering all aspects, I voted. It will influence the country’s future.”
Previously, referendums were held in 1977, 1985 and 1991.
This time, the referendum ballot paper includes four major proposals for constitutional reform under the “July National Charter,” seeking public approval.
Voters are required to cast either a "Yes" or "No" vote on each question. Ahead of polling day, the government conducted extensive campaigning in favour of a "Yes" vote.
The ballot paper reads:
“Do you agree to the implementation of the July National Charter (Constitutional Reform) Implementation Order, 2025, and the following constitutional reform proposals recorded in the July National Charter? (Yes/No)”
(a) A caretaker government during elections, the Election Commission and other constitutional institutions will be formed in line with the procedures described in the July Charter.
(b) The next National Parliament will be bicameral. A 100-member Upper House will be formed proportionate to the votes received by parties in the national election, and constitutional amendments will require approval by a majority of the Upper House.
(c) Political parties winning the next parliamentary election will be bound to implement the 30 reform issues listed in the schedule of the July Charter, including increasing women’s representation in parliament, appointing the deputy speaker and committee chairs from the opposition, ensuring fundamental rights, judicial independence, local government reforms, the prime minister’s term limits and the president’s powers.
(d) Other reforms outlined in the July National Charter will be implemented in accordance with political parties’ commitments.
A BRIEF HISTORY OF REFERENDUMS
A referendum is a process through which the public’s opinion is sought directly by vote on important matters of state. It allows citizens to accept or reject a significant proposal.
On May 30, 1977, the first referendum was held to gauge public opinion on President Ziaur Rahman and his policies. Of the votes cast, 98.8 percent were "Yes" and 1.12 percent were "No".
On Mar 21, 1985, the second referendum was held to determine public confidence in President Hussain Muhammad Ershad’s policies and whether he should remain in office until elections were held under the suspended constitution. It was widely seen as a move to legitimise military rule. That time, 94.11 percent voted "Yes" and 5.50 percent voted "No".
On Sept 15, 1991, the third referendum was held under Article 142 (1A) of the Constitution. It was highly significant. Voters were asked whether they approved the Constitution (Twelfth Amendment) Bill, 1991. The question effectively determined what form of government the country would adopt in the future. That time, 84 percent voted "Yes" and 15.62 percent voted "No".
