Bangladesh's dual vote: Why a referendum is being held with the general election

Bangladesh is holding a national referendum together with its first parliamentary election since violent protests ousted former prime minister Sheikh Hasina in August 2024.

Thursday’s referendum will give people a chance to vote on reforms to state institutions.

Here is a look at why the referendum is being held and what it entails.

Why is a referendum needed?

The referendum focuses on implementing the 'July Charter' drafted after the 2024 uprising to establish good governance, democracy, and social justice through institutional reforms, and to prevent "recurrence of authoritarian and fascist rule".

The interim government that took power after Hasina's ouster approved the charter's implementation order in November, saying public approval was necessary for key changes.

What are people voting on?

Voters will decide on four major reforms, including the creation of new constitutional bodies and the introduction of a bicameral parliament, with an upper house, whose majority approval shall be needed for constitutional amendments.

Other questions cover the implementation of 30 charter reforms - including term limits for prime ministers and enhanced presidential powers, along with broader changes in line with political parties' commitments.

How is the referendum being held?

Each person will cast their vote by secret ballot.

If a majority votes in favour, a Constitutional Reform Council will be formed to complete the reforms within 180 working days from its first session.

Has Bangladesh held a referendum before?

Bangladesh held three referendums before the Hasina government abolished the provision in 2011. The High Court reinstated it in 2024 after she was ousted.

While the 1977 and 1985 referendums asked people if they had confidence in the then presidents and their policies, the third, in 1991, asked whether Bangladesh should return from a presidential system to parliamentary democracy.

People overwhelmingly voted "yes" in all three referendums.

More than 127.6 million people are eligible to vote, with polling stations open from 7:30 am (0130 GMT) to 4:30 pm (1030 GMT), a total of nine hours.

The results are likely to trickle in by late Thursday local time as people elect 300 members of parliament through 42,000 voting centres across the nation.

Last November, Hasina was sentenced to death in absentia for crimes against humanity committed during the uprising.

Up to 1,400 people were killed during demonstrations which ousted her government, according to UN data.