‘Yes’ in the February 12 Referendum Opens a New Chapter of Constitutional Reform

Sources indicate that if the referendum result is positive, the upcoming National Parliament will simultaneously function as a regular legislative body and a ‘Constitutional Reform Council.’ The elected members of Parliament will serve as members of this council, which will complete the constitutional amendments within the designated period according to the national calendar.

The proposed reforms include limiting some of the Prime Minister’s absolute powers. Especially in the appointment of constitutionally important positions, decisions would no longer be made solely by the Prime Minister. Instead, appointments would be made through a committee formed with representatives from the government, opposition, and, where applicable, the judiciary. This could make appointment processes for institutions such as the Election Commission, PSC, ACC, and judiciary more participatory.

At the same time, some powers of the President are proposed to be increased. The President would be able to make appointments independently in specific autonomous and constitutional institutions.

One of the major proposed reforms is to make Parliament bicameral. The upper house would be formed through proportional representation, reducing the influence of a single party and requiring support from both chambers for constitutional amendments. Analysts believe this would prevent any single party from changing the constitution at will in the future.

The reforms also propose increasing the freedom of Parliament members to vote independently. Apart from votes on money bills and confidence motions, MPs could express their opinions outside the party line on other issues.

Implementation of the constitutional reforms is planned in three phases. The first phase has already been initiated through a Presidential order. The second phase is the referendum. If the referendum results in ‘Yes,’ the third phase will involve forming the Constitutional Reform Council, which will complete the reform process within the specified period.

If the ‘No’ vote wins, these constitutional reforms will not be mandatory, and future constitutional changes will depend on the majority of the upcoming Parliament.

Experts associated with the National Consensus Commission believe that if implemented, the proposed reforms will bring structural changes to Bangladesh’s governance. This will reduce centralization of power, strengthen independent institutions, and expand democratic accountability.

Overall, the February 12 referendum is seen not merely as a formal vote but as an important opportunity for the public to directly express their opinion on the future direction of the country’s governance system.