A national referendum held on February 12 alongside Bangladesh’s 13th parliamentary election approved the July National Charter for constitutional reform, with over 60 percent of votes cast in favor. Out of 127.7 million registered voters, 77.7 million participated, with more than 48 million voting 'yes' and over 22.5 million voting 'no'. The result formally clears constitutional barriers to implementing the reform package.

Under the July National Charter Implementation Order 2025, newly elected members of parliament will serve as members of the Constitutional Reform Council, tasked with enacting the proposals within 180 working days of the first parliamentary session. The referendum included 84 proposals, 47 of which were constitutional. Despite broad political consensus on many points, the BNP opposed several provisions. Analysts note that, given the BNP’s two-thirds majority in parliament, proposals marked by their dissent may not be implemented.

Key proposals include limiting a prime minister’s tenure to ten years, reducing prime ministerial powers, expanding presidential authority in some areas, and introducing a bicameral legislature. However, disputes over the structure of the upper house and other provisions suggest continued political and constitutional debate.