Government to Boost Public Awareness Campaign for Constitutional Referendum Alongside Parliamentary Elections

PNN News Desk, Dhaka

On February 12, alongside the national parliamentary elections, Bangladesh will hold a historic constitutional referendum for the first time. With just one month remaining, public awareness of the referendum remains limited despite parliamentary election discussions.

The interim government has launched multiple initiatives to generate public support for the referendum, including television campaigns, social media outreach, and engagement through local officials, imams, and other organizations. Voters are being explicitly encouraged to vote ‘Yes’.

The referendum will focus on 48 constitutional amendments divided into four key areas, developed under the July National Charter drafted by Professor Muhammad Yunus-led interim government after the August 8, 2024 mass uprising.

Analysts say the referendum questions are complex and not easily understood by the public. Awareness campaigns are ongoing but remain insufficient, according to Professor Ali Riaz, the campaign coordinator. “We anticipate that within 7–10 days, we can address these shortcomings,” he said.

Government initiatives include the ‘voting caravan’ launched nationwide on December 22, banners, and mosque-based promotion through the Islamic Foundation. Political parties have varied stances; Jamaat-e-Islami and some leaders of the National Citizens Party openly support a ‘Yes’ vote, while the BNP’s message remains less clear.