Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus has urged citizens to vote “yes” in the referendum to be held alongside the parliamentary election on 12 February.
He made the appeal in an address on Monday evening, as the interim government prepares for a referendum on implementing the July Charter on the same day as the election.
Yunus said the July mass uprising marked a defining moment in the nation’s history, creating an unexpected opportunity to establish democracy, justice and fundamental rights.
He said some reforms had already been implemented and that the July Charter had been drafted through consensus among the country’s major political parties to enable deeper and longer-term reforms.
He said public support was essential to implement the charter, adding that a “yes” vote in the referendum would signal a commitment to ending discrimination, exploitation and repression.
The chief adviser said it would also pave the way for the government and opposition to jointly form a caretaker government and an Election Commission.
He said the proposed changes would prevent any government from unilaterally amending the constitution, requiring public consent for major reforms.
He added that a “yes” vote would allow for the election of a deputy speaker from the opposition and opposition leadership of key parliamentary committees.
Outlining further provisions, he said the reforms would limit any individual to a maximum of 10 years as prime minister, strengthen the independence of the judiciary, increase women’s representation in parliament and establish an upper house to maintain a balance of power.
Yunus said, alongside Bangla, the languages of other ethnic communities would receive constitutional recognition, and the president would no longer be able to grant pardons at will to convicted criminals.
Calling on all citizens to turn out and vote, the chief adviser said a “yes” vote in the referendum would help clear the path towards building a new Bangladesh.
He also urged voters to encourage others to take part, saying the moment should be used collectively to seize the opportunity for national progress.
