Summary of Official Clarification [18 January 2026]

The interim government of Bangladesh issued a formal clarification on 18 January 2026, defending Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus’s active advocacy for a "Yes" vote in the upcoming constitutional referendum1. Officials maintain that the administration’s role extends beyond "procedural minimalism," asserting a mandate to deliver a credible framework for democratic stability following the July 2024 uprising2. This response addresses public concerns regarding the neutrality of an interim body during a national vote3.

The July National Charter and Referendum Logistics

Scheduled for 12 February 2026, the referendum coincides with the 13th Jatiya Sangsad elections4. Voters will decide whether to adopt the "July National Charter," a document formulated after nine months of consultation with 30 political parties4. Approval in this referendum would grant the incoming 13th Parliament a specific 180-day mandate to function as a "Constitutional Reform Council" to codify these changes, thereby shielding future amendments from legal challenges regarding legislative jurisdiction4.

Core Structural Reforms

The proposed reforms, spearheaded by the Constitutional Reform Commission (CRC) under Professor Ali Riaz, seek to dismantle what the commission defines as "authoritarian legacies"5.

  • State Identity and Principles: The commission recommends changing the nation's constitutional title from "People's Republic of Bangladesh" to the "People's Democracy of Bangladesh" (translated as Jonogontotri Bangladesh in Bengali)67. Proposed fundamental principles include equality, human dignity, social justice, pluralism, and democracy, effectively removing nationalism, socialism, and secularism from the constitution’s foundational articles89.
  • Executive Constraints: A two-term limit for the Prime Minister is proposed to prevent the concentration of power10. Furthermore, the Prime Minister would be barred from simultaneously holding the roles of party chief and Leader of the House1110.
  • Legislative Restructuring: The proposal shifts Bangladesh from a unicameral to a bicameral legislature11. The Jatiya Sangsad (Lower House) would expand to 400 seats, with 100 seats reserved for women through direct election811. The Senate (Upper House) would consist of 105 members, with 100 elected via proportional representation and five nominated by the President1110.
  • Judicial Independence: The CRC suggests establishing an independent Judicial Appointments Commission (JAC) led by the Chief Justice812. The senior-most judge of the Appellate Division would automatically be appointed as Chief Justice to eliminate executive discretion1210.
  • Citizenship and Language: Article 6(2) would be amended to recognize citizens as "Bangladeshis" rather than "Bengalis" to emphasize civic identity over ethnic origin810. While Bangla remains the state language, the constitution would recognize the mother tongues of all ethnic communities810.

Operational Landscape and Public Debate

While the interim government views advocacy as an "institutional responsibility" to stabilize the state, critics question whether servants of the Republic should campaign for a specific referendum outcome41. Professor Ali Riaz has argued that no existing laws or the Representation of the People Order (RPO) prohibit the government from seeking support for its reform proposals4. The administration highlights international precedents in Europe and Eurasia where governments campaigned during referendums tied to major national transitions2.