“Yes” Vote Leading in Referendum Across Most Constituencies

Preliminary results indicate that the “Yes” side is ahead in the national referendum. Information gathered from the Election Commission, district returning and assistant returning officers, and field correspondents confirms this trend.

As of 1:00 a.m. last night, partial referendum results were available from 56 of the country’s 299 parliamentary constituencies. The referendum was held alongside Thursday’s 13th National Parliamentary Election to decide on constitutional reform proposals included in the July National Charter.

Among the 56 constituencies reporting results, “Yes” is leading in all but two — Rangamati and Khagrachhari.

In Netrokona district, which has five constituencies and over 2 million registered voters, results from 665 out of 676 polling centers show 589,283 votes cast in favor of “Yes,” compared to 359,747 votes for “No.”

In Cumilla-1 (Daudkandi–Meghna), results from 103 of 146 polling centers show 113,014 votes for “Yes” and 38,546 votes for “No.”

In Mymensingh-7 (Trishal), “Yes” received 94,605 votes, while “No” secured 27,497. In Mymensingh-11 (Bhaluka), “Yes” obtained 51,875 votes against 25,401 for “No.”

Rajshahi-1 is also showing a clear lead for “Yes,” with 40,611 votes compared to 13,929 for “No.”

Other constituencies where “Yes” is currently ahead include Habiganj-1, Pabna-2, Patuakhali-1, Cumilla-1, 7 and 8, Pirojpur-2, Joypurhat-2, Bagerhat-1 and 3, Chattogram-1, 7, 14 and 15, Feni-2 and 3, and Chandpur-3.

However, in Rangamati and Khagrachhari, the partial results so far show “Yes” trailing. In Rangamati, results from 74 of 214 polling centers show 22,868 votes for “Yes” and 61,262 for “No.” In Khagrachhari, 41 out of 203 centers have reported results, with “Yes” receiving 30,665 votes and “No” 31,076.

What Happens If “Yes” Wins?

If the referendum passes, it will clear the way for implementing wide-ranging constitutional reforms. The proposals aim to reduce the concentration of power in the Prime Minister’s office while expanding certain authorities of the President.

Under the reform plan, appointments to constitutional positions would be made through a committee that includes representatives from the ruling party, opposition parties, and, in some cases, the judiciary. Currently, nearly all executive authority rests with the Prime Minister, and the President acts largely on the Prime Minister’s advice, except in appointing the Prime Minister and Chief Justice.

The reforms would also expand Members of Parliament’s freedom to vote independently in certain cases and promote a stronger balance of power among state institutions.

If approved, the next parliament would become bicameral. Amending the Constitution would require broader consensus, making it more difficult for a single party to make unilateral changes.

Background of the Reform Process

Following the fall of the Awami League government during the July mass uprising, an interim government led by Professor Muhammad Yunus assumed office on August 8, 2024. The administration pledged major reforms across state institutions.

In early October 2024, reform commissions were formed focusing on the Constitution, electoral system, judiciary, Anti-Corruption Commission, police, and public administration. Additional commissions were later created for other sectors.

Out of 166 key recommendations identified from the initial six commissions, discussions with 30 political parties resulted in consensus on 84 reform proposals. These proposals were compiled into the July National Charter. Of them, 48 relate directly to constitutional amendments.

Since constitutional amendments cannot be enacted through executive orders alone, a referendum was required to approve those 48 proposals. Nineteen of these were categorized as fundamental reforms.

The reform process involves three stages:

1. Issuance of a legal order — which was signed by the President on November 13, 2025.

2. Public approval through referendum — now underway.

3. Formation of a Constitutional Reform Council by newly elected members of parliament, if the referendum passes.

The council would have 180 working days from its first session to complete the constitutional amendments. However, the implementation order does not specify consequences if the deadline is not met.

Key Reform Proposals

One proposal limits any individual to a maximum of 10 years as Prime Minister. Another suggests that the Prime Minister should not simultaneously serve as the head of a political party — a provision that faced opposition from the BNP.

If enacted, the President would gain authority to appoint key officials — including members of the Human Rights Commission, Information Commission, Press Council, Law Commission, Governor of Bangladesh Bank, and Energy Regulatory Commission — without requiring recommendations from the Prime Minister.

The charter also proposes establishing a bicameral legislature, with the upper house formed through proportional representation. Constitutional amendments would require support from two-thirds of the lower house and a majority of the upper house.