Last update on: Wed Jan 7, 2026 09:23 PM
Chief Adviser Dr Muhammad Yunus today said political parties have endorsed the July Charter and expressed confidence that they would campaign for ‘yes’ votes in the referendum. “I don’t think any party will seek a ‘no’ vote,” he said.
Speaking during a meeting with Paola Pampaloni, acting managing director for Asia-Pacific at the European External Action Service (EEAS), Yunus said the referendum, alongside the general elections scheduled for February 12, would mark a historic moment for the country.
“People in this country have not been able to vote in free and fair elections for the past 16 years under autocratic rule. This time, they will vote festively,” he said.
The referendum will ask voters to approve the July Charter, a reform framework agreed upon by major political parties as part of the transition process. The charter focuses on strengthening democratic institutions, restoring electoral credibility, limiting concentration of executive power, and safeguarding fundamental rights.
Lutfey Siddiqi, special envoy of the Chief Adviser, Lamiya Morshed, SDG coordinator and senior secretary, and Michael Miller, ambassador of the European Union to Bangladesh were present at the meeting.
Source: https://www.thedailystar.net/news/bangladesh/news/karwan-bazar-traders-block-key-dhaka-road-protest-against-extortion-4075571
