EC prepared to hold referendum with Feb polls

The July National Charter, signed on October 17, is moving toward its next phase - implementation through a nationwide referendum to ensure public participation and approval. According to Election Commission (EC) officials, if political parties reach a consensus, the Commission is ready to organise the referendum at any time on government instruction. Preparations are being aligned with the upcoming national election, expected to be held in February.

Officials said preparations for the parliamentary election are already well underway. Over 42,000 polling centres will be established to serve more than 12 crore registered voters across the country. To facilitate voting by expatriates, an IT-supported postal ballot system costing over Tk 400 crore is being introduced. More than one million personnel will be deployed to conduct the polls.

The National Consensus Commission said political parties have reached an agreement in principle regarding the referendum. However, opinions differ on its timing - some parties want it to be held simultaneously with the national election, while others prefer it a month earlier. Because of these differences, the Commission plans to leave the final decision to the interim government rather than make a direct recommendation. The EC confirmed that once the government issues a directive, it will be ready to conduct the referendum at any time.

The Election Commission has assured that the proposed referendum will not affect the parliamentary election.

 Election Commissioner Abdur Rahmanel Mashud said the matter depends entirely on political consensus. "The referendum is a state and government issue. If the government decides to hold it, we will organise it," he said. "Speaking not only as an election commissioner but as a senior citizen, I believe holding both elections on the same day would be most effective. Doing so could save hundreds of crores of taka."

Mashud also explained that it is legally possible to hold the parliamentary election and the referendum together, though a few additional polling booths might be needed. "The people are the source of all power. The July Charter simply asks one question - are you in favour or against it?" he said. He added that conducting both votes on the same day would save hundreds of crores of taka, reduce pressure on manpower and logistics, and benefit the country overall. "Everything - polling centres, returning officers, and polling officials - would remain the same. The only difference would be two ballot papers: one for the national election and another for the referendum."

A referendum is a democratic process allowing citizens to directly express their opinion on important national issues. Bangladesh has held three referendums in its history - in 1977, 1985, and 1991. The first was held under President Ziaur Rahman to seek public approval for his policies; the second under President H.M. Ershad to legitimise his rule; and the third, in 1991, asked voters whether the country should adopt a parliamentary system of governance.